Spotted Gar

Lepisosteus oculatus is one of four North American gar species and is distinguished by spots on both its body and fins. It is an ambush predator that lurks motionless among surface vegetation before striking at passing fish with a rapid lateral snap. A true living fossil, it requires cold to cool water and very large, open-water aquariums.

Water: 18-24°C, pH 6.5-7.5, soft to moderately hard; cooler temperatures preferred, especially in winter. Tank: Minimum 600L, very long footprint, surface access for air breathing, minimal décor. Feeding: Carnivore; live and dead fish, prawns, earthworms; can be trained to pellets with patience. Behaviour: Ambush predator; slow-moving most of the time but strikes extremely quickly. Compatibility: Only with fish too large to be engulfed; large catfish, large cichlids.