Armored pike in an aquarium: maintenance and compatibility

When it comes to adding a distinctive and lively fish to an aquarium, the armored pike, also called the Armor Pike, is a fascinating option. This species is distinguished by its unique look, which includes a hard, armored body that resembles a creature from the prehistoric era with scales. They are a well-liked option for individuals who wish to add some wild elements to their home aquarium because of their striking appearance and intriguing behaviors.

In order to maintain the wellbeing of armored pike, certain conditions must be met when caring for them in an aquarium. Because of their active lifestyle and propensity for large growth, these fish require a large tank. They also like a setup that resembles their natural habitat, with lots of hiding places and a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral. They also thrive in well-oxygenated water. Sufficient filtration and consistent upkeep are essential to maintain the health of their surroundings.

Armoured pike can have certain preferences when it comes to their tank companions. Because they tend to be solitary and possessive, it’s crucial to carefully select their companions. It is advisable to choose fish species that can coexist peacefully and without causing stress or conflict, as larger, more aggressive fish may turn toward smaller, more peaceful ones. Everyone involved can enjoy a peaceful aquarium environment by being aware of these dynamics.

Description

The family of armored pikes (lat. Atractosteus) includes the genus known as armored pike (lat. Lepisosteus). Freshwater and brackish water bodies in North America, ranging from Michigan to Texas, are their natural habitat. You can find the long-snouted gar (Latin: Lepisosteus osseus) in South American rivers. They are popular targets for sport fishing in their native country, but their low-quality, bland meat makes them unmarketable.

The dense, hard diamond-shaped scales that envelop the fish’s body akin to chain mail are the primary characteristic that sets the gar apart.

Because of how little this incredible animal has changed in appearance over millions of years, it can be considered a living fossil. The genus contains seven species in total, three of which went extinct tens of millions of years ago. There are four species at the moment, and they range in size from 80 cm to 2 meters, which is unusually large. Because of this, maintaining the gar in a home aquarium is challenging; large reservoirs or ponds work best in this situation.

The species that is most frequently kept in aquariums is the spotted gar (lat. Lepisosteus oculatus, eng. Spotted Gar), and this article will focus on it.

Its preferred habitat is quiet, placid rivers and backwaters with thickets of aquatic vegetation. There are far fewer fish now because of water body pollution.

The spotted gar is thought to be the smallest member of the family. Its body length varies from 60 cm to 1.2 meters, and it has an extremely appealing coloring with a strange pattern of dark spots scattered across its light olive body. The dorsal fin, which is situated above the anal and significantly shifted to the caudal, gives the body a torpedo-like shape. There is a rounded caudal fin. Particular attention should be paid to the long, narrow snout that has twelve sharp teeth.

It swims slowly in an aquarium, becoming active only when it’s feeding or hunting.

It is possible for the spotted gar and the Florida gar (Leptisosteus platyrhincus) to successfully crossbreed in the wild.

Because of their unusual appearance and behavior, armored pike make fascinating aquarium fish, but they need special attention and consideration to thrive. This article will go over the necessary care for armored pike in a home aquarium, including what kind of habitat they need, what to feed them, and how to make sure they get along with other fish. By being aware of these elements, you can establish a harmonious and healthful habitat that promotes your armored pike’s wellbeing and improves your overall aquarium experience.

Conditions of maintenance

This strange fish is not suitable as a first pet. Experts are primarily responsible for creating North American biotopes and planting it in large public aquariums. If an amateur intends to keep it with other fish, they can only afford to keep one in a large 500-liter home aquarium or pond.

Young armored pike need thickets of aquatic vegetation to hide in and have a comfortable life. The plants are taken out as the animal grows, and driftwood is used to adorn the aquarium. The lighting should be low and the current should be minimal.

There are instances when juvenile armored pike are offered for sale, and the vendor may not always be truthful about the size of the mature fish.

Suggested water parameters:

• temperature: 12-20 °C (cold-water fish, but with the help of a gradual increase in temperature, it can be adapted to life at 26-28 °C);
• acidity: 6.0-8.0 pH;
• hardness: 5-20 °dH;
• filtration, aeration and replacement of 30% of the water weekly are mandatory;
• gar do better in salted water.

At up to 2.5 meters in length, the Mississippi gar, also known as the alligator gar, is the largest member of the family.

Feeding

The primary food sources for the primarily nocturnal gar are crustaceans, live fish, tadpoles, and worms. It doesn’t matter if it can’t be fed live food; the gar will gladly consume frozen shrimp, squid, and fish pieces.

Meat from mammals should not be fed to gar because some lipids are not well absorbed by fish bodies. In the long run, this can result in indigestion, obesity, and other health issues.

Feeding should occur as frequently as possible for young people to ensure rapid growth. In contrast, adult fish are fed only once or twice a week. The armored pike must be introduced to frozen food at a young age because mature fish are hesitant to change and frequently starve to death during this time.

The actual feeding procedure involves the use of tweezers because the fish will not accept food from the bottom and will become alert to sudden movements that will arouse its hunting instincts.

If live fish is chosen for consumption, it is preferable to obtain it from reliable aquariums; fish taken from the wild should be quarantined for two weeks in order to prevent the introduction of diseases into the aquarium.

Breeding

No records exist for successful propagation in captivity. Every individual that made it into the aquarium was captured in their native environment.

In the wild, females reach sexual maturity at the age of 3–4 years, while males reach it between 2-3 years of age. There is minimal expression of sexual dimorphism, and the only way to identify sex is by size—females are larger than males.

May through July sees the spawning of aquatic vegetation in dense thickets in shallow water. Up to 20,000 eggs are deposited by the female on plants, which the male fertilizes. The larvae emerge from the eggs after 10–14 days of incubation. Because they are often consumed by other fish in their own species, young fish are extremely vulnerable.

A rewarding experience for enthusiasts who value an armored pike’s distinctive appearance and lively behavior can be kept in an aquarium. These fish give your tank a little bit of the wild with their eye-catching armor-like scales and sleek bodies. But paying close attention to their unique needs is necessary to guaranteeing their happiness and preserving their health.

It’s important to take into account the armored pike’s size and preferred habitat when setting up an aquarium for them. It is essential to have a large tank with lots of hiding places and a clean filtration system. These fish are renowned for their powerful swimming strokes and their love of a clean, well-oxygenated habitat.

Compatibility with other fish is an additional crucial element. Tank mates are important because armored pikes can be territorial and aggressive. When paired with other robust fish that won’t fight too hard for food or space, they usually get along well. A peaceful tank environment can be maintained by keeping an eye on interactions and making necessary adjustments.

In the end, an armored pike can become an intriguing aquarium centerpiece with the correct maintenance and setup. They are a compelling option for individuals who are prepared to meet their unique needs because of the beauty and intrigue they bring to the table. Your armored pike will flourish and turn into a focal point of your aquatic setup if given the right care.

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