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Gar · Native top predator

Spotted GarLepisosteus oculatus

Native US gar - prehistoric ambush predator with armored scales. Spotted gar reach 36" in good ponds, while shortnose gar stays smaller (24-30"). Banned in CA. Useful in larger ponds (5+ acres) where the owner wants a native top predator without the bass + bream management complexity. Will eat pond shiners + panfish - not compatible with sport-fish programs.

Native top predator Gar

Stocking quick reference

Stocking rate
5-10 / acre in dedicated 5+ acre ponds
Ship size
6-12" juveniles
Adult size
24-36"
Best season
Spring + early fall

Diet

Live fish (shiners, small bream)

Compatible with

Standalone or with bowfin in deep-water systems

Ship-to states

Most southeast + central US states; banned in CA

State legality is enforced at checkout - the Fast Aquatics 52-rule legality engine blocks restricted shipments before payment. Permits + DNR rules vary by state for sport-fish stocking over personal-use thresholds.

Buy Spotted Gar

Live Spotted Gar listings from approved Fast Aquatics pond + aquaculture vendors. Filter by ship-from state to find the closest hatchery for cold-chain efficiency.

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Sell Spotted Gar on Fast Aquatics

Fish farms, hatcheries, and pond-stocking companies: list Spotted Gar for direct-to-pond-owner sales + wholesale Fast Frags partnerships.

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