Gars are large predatory fish that are sometimes be kept in large aquariums.  They are members of the Lepisosteus family that inhabit freshwater and brackish water of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.

The Needlenose Gar and the Hujeta Gar are not gars, but resemble them in body form.

Housing:   These fish can grow quite large and adults will require tanks that are 6 foot long or more.  They should have plenty of swimming room and a tight fitting cover, as they can jump.  There should be some space between the glass cover and the water level so that the gar can gulp air.  Gars are hardy and tolerant of most water conditions.  Maintain good filtration with power filters, but avoid excessive water current.  Temperature: 70-80, pH 7.0-8.0.

Tank Mates:   You can keep them as singles or groups.  Gars will not harm any fish that they can not swallow, but will quickly devour small fish.  If your tank is large enough you can mix them with oscars, catfish, large tin foil barbs, large severums, large blood parrots.  Do not mix them with aggressive fish.

Feeding:  They are carnivores.  Feed live feeder fish, ghost shrimp, crickets, crayfish.  Sometimes they will accept frozen krill.

Natural Range:  North America, Central America