I found an Albino/Gold Gar Today. Is It Valuable?

[sjprkr1]

So, as the title states, I saw a gold colored, possibly albino gar today. It was with about 50-75 other longnose gar on Bankhead Lake. It stuck out like a sore thumb, almost shimmering in the water. I know alot my fellow crappie fisherman hate gar and this is not about that! I left him be because I did not have my throw net. I was wondering if anyone knows if it's worth anything (to a collector maybe?) to put in an aquarium. If anybody knows if this is worth going out in the rain trying to net it tomorrow I would love the input. I feel that it will still be there since they were obviously spawning. I may do that anyway. I have no intention of hurting the fish and some research said they were better off in captivity. Maybe for breeding purposes? I don't know. Any input will be greatly appreciated!

[alexava]

yes I hate gar.

[AUTiger]

Not sure about collectors but may check with local Bass Pro Shops to see if they interested in having it in an aquarium?????

[Energy]

I just found this thread but YES- they are extremely valuable. The gold/white gene is recessive and only about 1 in 10,000 have it. Furthermore for one to survive in a predator filled ecosystem with that color is even more Rare. There is a small market for them and they can fetch between $1,000 and $1,500 dependant on the quality of the fish and how the color pattern holds up. Ideal size is between 8"- to 20". Any larger and it's tough to find an aquarium big enough for them. Net catch it if possible, place it in a tub or 55 gallon aquarium with an airstone and keep it safe. They need to breath air so give them enough space to come up and gulp but cover the container because they jump. Other rare gar morphs are pure/jet black and also Red ones- they are worth less but still can get $100-$200 each. If you catch it please call me at 612-369-4698 Stan

[Blackhawk19]

Not sure about collectors but may check with local Bass Pro Shops to see if they interested in having it in an aquarium?????

X2 on Bass Pro

[Fisherman_Wantabe]

If you catch it post some pics!

[sjprkr1]

If anyone's wondering the hunt is on and I will definitely post plenty of pictures if I can catch it. I just wish I had known sooner that there was a demand for such a thing. I am pretty confident that gar don't travel very much in the river that I fish. I think it's just a matter of getting down there right behind a good cold front when they all seem to hang around the surface.

[Energy]

Good Luck!

[Energy]

Here is what they look like from the side

[Energy]

The more orange/pure orange- the more valuable they are: This one is complete orange and worth more consequently