A massive armored predator that can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds — North America's largest gar. Body covered in interlocking ganoid scales like medieval armor. Recently rehabilitated from "trash fish" to prized native gamefish.

Native status: Native to southern US river systems; threatened

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 1.8–3.0 m (6–10 ft); record 2.6 m
Weight25–137 kg (55–300 lb); record 137 kg
LifespanWild 50+ years
OrderLepisosteiformes
FamilyLepisosteidae

§ Encyclopedia

The alligator gar is a euryhaline ray-finned fish in the clade Ginglymodi of the infraclass Holostei, being most closely related to the bowfins. It is the largest species in the gar family (Lepisosteidae), and is among the largest freshwater fishes in North America. The fossil record traces its group's existence back to the Early Cretaceous over 100 million years ago. Gars are often referred to as "primitive fishes" or "living fossils", because they have retained some morphological characteristics of their early ancestors, such as a spiral valve intestine, which is also common to the digestive system of sharks, and the ability to breathe in both air and water. Their common name was derived from their resemblance to the American alligator, particularly their broad snouts and long, sharp teeth. It is suggested that an alligator gar can grow up to 10 ft (3.0 m) in length.

Source: Wikipedia — Alligator gar Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive armored fish with elongated snout filled with sharp teeth. Body olive-brown above, white below.

Similar species. Other gars (smaller, narrower snouts). Alligator (similar habitat but distinct from gar).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish (primary), crustaceans, small mammals, waterfowl, turtles.

Behavior. Apex predator of southern river systems. Among the most prehistoric-looking native US fish — body covered in interlocking ganoid scales like medieval armor.

§ Range

Lower Mississippi drainage, Gulf of Mexico rivers from Texas to Florida

§ Habitat

Large slow rivers, oxbows, brackish estuaries

§ Threats

Habitat loss from river channelization, historic persecution as "trash fish," overfishing.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the alligator gar is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support floodplain reconnection. Practice catch-and-release. Educate others on their ecological role.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • USFWS
  • IUCN Red List 2018