How to Keep a Freshwater Gar in Your Aquarium

Freshwater gars originate from Asia and are scientifically known as Xenentodon cancila or Needlenose Gars. They grow to be about a foot long and are carnivorous fish. Freshwater gars also like to school and can tolerate both brackish and fresh water. There are several types of freshwater gars, but most are too large for any tank, and the Needlenose gar is the most common gar domesticated.

Things You'll Need

  • 75-gallon aquarium
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Water testing kit
  • Live aquarium plants
  • Fine sand or gravel
  • Aquarium lid (tight-fitting)
  • Live food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a tank of 75 gallons or larger, since freshwater gars grow to be about a 12 to 16 inches long. They prefer a large swimming area with shallow water, so a longer tank rather than a taller tank is better suited for the gar. Tanks with a live, heavily-planted environment are ideal, and sand or fine gravel is suitable. A tight fitting lid is necessary as well, and the water level kept approximately four to six inches from the surface.

    • 2

      Monitor water conditions and keep water temperature between 74 and 84 degrees using a tank thermometer. Water pH should be kept between 6.2 and 7.5 and can be checked by using a water testing kit. Since freshwater gars can tolerate brackish water, a one percent aquarium salt mixture can be made by adding 7.5 teaspoons of salt for every 10 gallons.

    • 3

      Feed the freshwater gar live foods such as small fish, frogs, tadpoles, shrimp or crickets.