Alligator Gar
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Holly_Cheng" title="User:Holly Cheng">Holly Cheng</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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)60-75
pH Range6.5-8.0
Description
The Alligator Gar is an ancient, formidable freshwater predator known for its massive size and distinctive, alligator-like snout. They are ambush hunters, primarily feeding on other fish, and are native to the slow-moving rivers and bayous of the southeastern United States and Mexico. Due to their immense size and specialized care requirements, they are only suitable for expert aquarists with very large, dedicated pond-like setups or public aquariums.
