Animal Database

Hi Homo sapien! Welcome to Animal Database! Anyway, did you know that you're 60% genetically similar to banana trees?

READ MORE

Animal Database
Register
Advertisement
Animal Database
Alligator Gar
Alligator Gar
Information
Range North America
Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Lepisosteiformes
Family Lepisosteidae
Genus Atractosteus
Species Atractosteus spatula
Conservation Status
LCSpecies
Least Concern

The Alligator Gar is a species from the Atractosteus genus.

Appearance[]

The Alligator Gar is the largest exclusively freshwater fish found in North America, measuring 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m) and weighing at least 200 lb (91 kg) at maturity.  They are also Green just like Alligators..

Behavior[]

Alligator gar have often been suspected in attacks on humans, but none of these attacks have been officially confirmed to be the work of this species. They can attack a person and other animals too. But many people been trying to catch a Alligator gar and they do!

Gallery[]

Facts[]

  • Alligator gars are the largest species of gar fish. These fish usually weigh up to 300 pounds and reach up to 10 feet in length, ensuring they are some of the biggest freshwater fish in North America. Male alligator gars are often larger than the females. The biggest alligator gar documented was caught in Mississippi’s Lake Chotard in 2011 and weighed a massive 327 pounds.
  • Alligator gars are named for their resemblance to alligators.
  • These carnivorous gars eat smaller fish like carp and shad. However, they will also eat almost any creature that can fit in their mouths. Besides fish, alligator gar eat turtles, birds, and even small mammals.
Advertisement