Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus)

Fish in the family Lepisosteidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameLepisosteus oculatus

FamilyLepisosteidae

Also known asSpotted Garpike

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size36 in

Minimum tank size300 gallons

Water parametersTemp 65-80°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-20 dGH

Appearance

Long cylindrical armored body with a slender beak-like snout full of needle teeth, dark spots over a greenish-bronze ground, and dorsal/anal fins set far back.

Difficulty and care for the Spotted Gar

Hard

Origin and habitat

North America (Mississippi and Gulf drainages)

Keeper notes

A huge surface-cruising predator that eats any fish it can fit in its long toothed jaws; the smallest commonly kept gar but still demands a massive tank or pond. Keep only with large tankmates. Air-breather; strong jumper.

Log Spotted Gar in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Spotted Gar alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app