ROCKET GAR (Ctenolucius hujeta) 2404

This species is a near-exclusive inhabitant of the upper water column and appreciates surface cover in the form of floating or overhanging vegetation.

Other décor is relatively unimportant but can consist of a sandy substrate with leaf litter plus some large driftwood branches and twisted roots.

Plants which can grow rooted in sand can also be added as can those which grow attached to solid surfaces such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum or Anubias spp.

Lighting can simply be tailored to the plants being used.

If using a deeper tank you could fill it to 50-70% of capacity and add emergent branches and plants which can look very effective.

A tightly-fitting cover should be used in all cases as ctenoluciids are generally excellent jumpers.

Efficient filtration is a must when keeping predatory species due to the amount of waste produced so install one or more external canister filters and/or a sump system, organising the return in such a way that turbulent flow is avoided.

Weekly water changes of 30-50% should be considered mandatory as this species can be sensitive to organic pollutants and swings in water chemistry, and for this reason it must never be introduced to biologically immature set-ups.

https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/ctenolucius-hujeta/