Tank setup
A minimum 10000L aquarium suits Alligator Gar. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
pH
6.5 - 8.5
Temperature
15° - 30 °C
Max size
200 cm
Min tank
10000 L
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What to know before you buy.
The Alligator Gar is the largest species of gar and one of the largest freshwater fish in North America, capable of exceeding 2 metres in length and 140 kilograms in weight. This living fossil has remained virtually unchanged for over 100 million years, possessing a dual row of sharp teeth in its elongated snout and diamond-shaped ganoid scales that can deflect arrows. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is an ambush predator that spends most of its time motionless, lying in wait for prey.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Alligator Gar healthy in a South African setup.
A minimum 10000L aquarium suits Alligator Gar. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 6.5–8.5 and 15–30°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Alligator Gar is carnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for monster fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Alligator Gar is generally semi-aggressive. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized semi-aggressive tankmates in monster fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Alligator Gar vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
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Price tracking started 18 Jul 2026 — chart builds as listings are updated
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Species that typically work alongside Alligator Gar in a similar setup.
Giant Gourami
Osphronemus goramy
Fire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Hujeta Gar
Ctenolucius hujeta
Black Ghost Knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons
Clown Knifefish
Chitala ornata
Fahaka Pufferfish
Tetraodon lineatus
Bullseye Snakehead
Channa marulius
Giant Snakehead
Channa marulius