Cichlids and needlenose gar

Question
Hey, I have a 40 gal tank currently with a clown knife, a pleco, and six little 1-inch mbuna malawi cichlids. They're all mostly bottom-middle swimmers because of the rocks we've set up down there, and we have many plastic plants that reach to the top. We're looking to add a needlenose gar that we (my human tank buddies) all fell in love with. He's very small, about 3 inches and super thin, and the cichlids are all justt big enough they wouldn't get eaten. I would like some secondary advice (besides the pet store people) about adding him in, what do you think?

Answer
Hi Samantha,
The needlenose gar should be kept in groups of at least three.  They need a 100 gallon tank or more.  They grow very big, 1 foot in length.  They are predators, and will swallow any fish that crosses their path.   They do not chew their prey, but swallow it in one gulp!   Their main diet are live shrimp, fish, crickets and even tadpoles.  They do not eat dry food.
I would not recommend this fish in a community tank.  He is best kept in groups in a big tank.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but even though small now, they will grow bigger, and bring trouble to your tank.
Lynda