Alligator Gar
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:AlejandroLinaresGarcia" title="User:AlejandroLinaresGarcia">AlejandroLinaresGarcia</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameAlligator Gar
Scientific NameAtractosteus spatula
Common NamesAlligator Gar, Pejelagarto, Garpique alligator
FamilyLepisosteidae
OriginNorth America, Central America, Gulf Coast of the United States, Mexico
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)1000
Max Size (Inches)120
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)60-80
pH Range6.5-8.0
Description
The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in North America, known for its distinctive alligator-like snout and two rows of sharp teeth. It is an ancient species with a torpedo-shaped body covered in tough, diamond-shaped ganoid scales. These apex predators are ambush hunters, feeding primarily on other fish and small animals.
