Alligator Gar
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:FLJackson&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:FLJackson (page does not exist)">FLJackson</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)1000
Max Size (Inches)120
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)65-82
pH Range6.0-8.0
Compatible SpeciesOther large Gar species, Large Catfish (e.g., Redtail Catfish, Pangasius), Large Cichlids (e.g., Oscar, if similar size), Large Freshwater Stingrays
Description
The Alligator Gar is an ancient, formidable predatory fish known for its immense size and distinctive broad, alligator-like snout. Native to the slow-moving rivers and brackish waters of the southeastern United States and Mexico, it is an apex predator. Due to its potential to grow over 8 feet long, it requires an extremely large habitat, making it unsuitable for most home aquariums and best suited for public aquariums or very large private ponds.
