Common names
Gator gar
Alligator gar
Atractosteus spatula
- Mixed
- Least concern
Max length120 in
Common length78.75 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight302 lb 1 oz
Water typeMixed
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Alligator gar are the largest species in the gar family, and among the largest freshwater fishes in North America. The body of an alligator gar is torpedo-shaped, usually brown or olive, fading to a lighter gray or yellow ventral surface. Their scales are not like the scales of other fishes. Rather, they are ganoid scales, which are bone-like, rhomboidal-shaped scales, often with serrated edges, and covered by an enamel-like substance. Unlike other gar species, the upper jaw of an alligator gar has a dual row of large, sharp teeth that are used to impale and hold prey. The tail fin is rounded. Dorsal and anal fins are placed well back on the body and nearly opposite each other.
Habitat
Alligator gar inhabit a wide variety of aquatic habitats, but most are found in reservoirs and lakes, in the backwaters of lowland rivers, and in the brackish waters of estuaries, bayous, and bays.
Distribution
The range of the alligator gar extends from the Florida Panhandle, through the Gulf Coastal Plain and the Mississippi River Basin extending north to the lower portions of the Ohio and the Missouri River, and ranges southwest through Texas down to Veracruz, Mexico.
Behaviour
Alligator gar are relatively passive, seemingly sluggish solitary fish, but voracious ambush predators. They are opportunistic night predators and are primarily piscivores, but they also ambush and eat waterfowl, turtles, and small mammals that may be floating on the surface.
Edibility
Good, the eggs of the alligator gar are toxic and may cause sickness if eaten.
Lure suggestion
Crankbaits and topwater plugs with treble hooks. Good bait: carp, gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo and mullet.