Alligator Gar
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:BrokenSphere" title="User:BrokenSphere">BrokenSphere</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameAlligator Gar
Scientific NameAtractosteus spatula
Common NamesAlligator Gar, Garpike
FamilyLepisosteidae
OriginNorth America, Southern 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, large, predatory freshwater fish characterized by its distinctive alligator-like snout and diamond-shaped ganoid scales. Native to the southern United States and Mexico, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, bayous, and lakes. These formidable fish are apex predators, primarily feeding on other fish.
