Alligator Gar
Atractosteus spatula
Adult alligator gar inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, oxbows, bayous, and occasionally brackish coastal waters. They are ambush predators that hang near the surface or cover, then seize fish, waterbirds, turtles, and other reachable prey with broad toothy jaws. Their heavy ganoid scales form one of the toughest natural armors among freshwater fishes. A vascularized swim bladder lets them gulp air, allowing survival in warm, stagnant, low-oxygen water.
- Type
- Water / Fang
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Alligator Gar