The Alligator Gar

Don't get this confused with the longnose gar, because the alligator gar is way bigger. While the alligator gar can measure up to 10 feet long, the longnose gar is only about the size of an adult's arm. The alligator gar can weigh up to 350 pounds and is the second largest fish in North America (the largest is the white sturgeon). 

The alligator gar gets its name from its alligator-shaped snout. It has a torpedo-shaped body and two rows of large, sharp teeth. Alligator gars have ganoid scales, which are different from the scales of most fish. Ganoid scales are bone-like and very hard to bite through, which gives them excellent protection against predators. Alligator gars can live up to 50 years and have few natural predators. They are found in the lower Mississippi River basin and in the waters of the Gulf Coast states. Alligator gars are considered euryhaline, which means they are able to adapt to both fresh water and salt water! They tend to swim near the surface or among the reeds where they can ambush prey. Alligator gars mainly eat other fish, but also eat water birds, turtles, frogs and small mammals that float on the surface of the water. They primarily hunt at night.  

One of the only natural predators of the alligator gar is the American alligator. Ospreys are also known to scavenge the remains of alligator gars caught by American alligators. Habitat destruction and overfishing are also threats to the alligator gar. 

Cool Fact: Alligator gars are often referred to as "primitive fish" or "living fossils" and their ancestors have been found in fossils from 200 million years ago! 

Click here for more information on the longnose gar!