Gar Characin

The gar characin is a Ctenoluciidae species that resembles a pike with its long, slender body, pointed snout and dorsal and anal fins set far back on the body. There is a black spot at the base of the tail on its silvery body. It waits motionless just below the surface and catches approaching small fish with a sudden lunge. In the aquarium it reaches 20–25 cm.

• At least 300 liters for a single fish; a length of 120 cm or more.
• 24–28°C, pH 6–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
• Floating plants over part of the surface, open space over the rest.
• It is an excellent jumper; a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Carnivorous. Frozen fish strips, mysis shrimp, large bloodworms and carnivore granules are suitable. Live feeder fish are not recommended because they carry a risk of disease; individuals can usually be weaned onto frozen food.

It sees any fish that fits in its mouth as prey but is calm toward species larger than itself. It may squabble with its own kind; in very large aquariums a small group can also be kept.

Good companions: peaceful species of similar size or larger: silver dollars, large plecos, Synodontis, large peaceful cichlids.

Avoid: any fish that would fit in its mouth, shrimp, large aggressive cichlids.