Alligator Gar
Image: Christa Simmons; United States Fish and Wildlife Service source page states "Media Usage Rights/License: Public Domain" (Public domain)
NameAlligator Gar
Scientific NameAtractosteus spatula
Common NamesAlligator Gar, Gator Gar
FamilyLepisosteidae
OriginNorth America, Southeastern United States, Mexico
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)2000
Max Size (Inches)120
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)65-80
pH Range6.5-8.0
Description
The Alligator Gar is the largest species of gar and one of the largest freshwater fish in North America, known for its prehistoric appearance and formidable size. With a long, tooth-filled snout and armored scales, it is an apex predator in its native river and lake systems. Due to its immense adult size, it is generally unsuitable for home aquariums and requires public aquarium-scale enclosures.
