Alligator Gar
Atractosteus spatula

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CLASS

Osteichthyes

ORDER

Lepisosteiformes

FAMILY

Lepisosteidae

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Range

Coastal southeast United States and into Mexico

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Habitat

Slow-moving rivers, lakes, bayous, and bays

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Diet

Mainly fish; also snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals

Facts

• Of the seven known gar species, the alligator is the largest.
• This ancient fish has existed for 100 million years.
• Unlike most of its close relatives, the alligator gar can breathe air and survive above water for up to two hours.
• It gets its name from its alligator-like snout and its double row of dagger sharp teeth.
• Their eggs are poisonous to humans.

 

Conservation

Flood control measures have altered their spawning habitats, resulting in population declines. They have also been frequently overhunted.