All fish / Lepisosteidae

Tropical Gar

Atractosteus tropicus

Also known as tropical gar, central american gar, pejelagarto, mexican gar, peje lagarto, tropical gar fish, トロピカルガー, 热带雀鳝

A long, armoured predator with a beak-like snout full of needle teeth and a greenish brown body marked with dark spots, often in rows along the flanks. It is the smallest member of the gar genus Atractosteus and is kept by monster fish enthusiasts for its prehistoric look and calm, hovering hunting style.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

60 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

1500 litres

Keep as

Alone or in a small group of similar-sized gars

Diet

Carnivore: fish, prawns, earthworms and carnivore pellets or sticks

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Central America: Atlantic and Pacific drainages from southern Mexico to Costa Rica

Breeding

It spawns in shallow, vegetated water during the rainy season, scattering adhesive eggs that are toxic to eat. It is farmed in southern Mexico as a food fish using hormone-induced spawning, but breeding in home aquariums is very rare.

Good to know

Grows to 60 cm or more and needs a very large, tightly covered tank as it can jump; any fish small enough to swallow will be eaten. Gars are banned or restricted in some places, for example several Asian and European jurisdictions, so check local rules before buying.