Care and Compatibility of Alligator Gar - Atractosteus spatula

Introduction

The Pejelagarto is a species of primitive fish belonging to the Lepisosteidae family. It is found in various regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. Its long and slender body is covered with hard scales, and its head is elongated and pointed, with a jaw full of sharp teeth. They can reach considerable sizes, measuring several meters in length.

Behavior

The Pejelagarto is a freshwater predatory fish characterized by its elongated body and lizard-like appearance. It is a solitary and territorial fish that tends to inhabit calm waters such as rivers, lakes, and lagoons. They are fast swimmers and can move with agility to capture their prey. Although they are generally peaceful, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are kept in insufficient space.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Atractosteus spatula is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance.

Reproduction

The reproduction of the Pejelagarto takes place in shallow waters during the spawning season. Females release their eggs, and males fertilize them externally. The eggs are adhesive and adhere to aquatic objects such as plants, logs, or rocks. The fry hatch after a while and must search for their own food to survive. Due to their size and specific needs, keeping and breeding them in captivity can be challenging.

Aquarium Conditions

Atractosteus spatula, commonly known as the alligator gar, requires an extremely large aquarium with plenty of space to swim. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline water. Aquarium décor should be minimal to provide plenty of swimming space. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a proper diet.

Feeding

The Pejelagarto is a voracious predator and feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, insects, and other aquatic organisms. Its jaw and sharp teeth allow it to capture and tear apart its prey with ease. In captivity, they can be offered a varied diet that includes live foods such as small fish and shrimp, as well as pellets and frozen foods designed for carnivorous fish.

Complexity

Caring for Atractosteus spatula is extremely challenging due to its large size and predatory behavior. They are extremely aggressive fish and can be dangerous to other fish species. They require a large aquarium with powerful filtration and a protein-rich diet. They are sensitive to water quality and may require frequent maintenance.

No species is compatible with the Alligator Gar, however, 5 fish are semi compatible with the Alligator Gar with certain conditions special.