Alligator Gar

See you later Alligator!

Alligator Gars are exclusively found in lower Mississippi River Valley, from Oklahoma to the west, Arkansas to the north, Texas and portions of Mexico to the south, and east to Florida. All though a freshwater species these sturdy fish can tolerate both brackish and saltwater habitats although they prefer rivers and swamp areas.

The Alligator Gar is difficult to spot in our Amazon tank as it often hides in the back but once you see it you can easily recognise it from the torpedo-shaped body in olive brown which comes armoured with glistening scales. Although they look scary they are not dangerous to humans with the exception of their eggs which if ingested will be poisonous.

Alligator Gars are ambush predators, primarily piscivores, they lay still in the water until an unsuspecting fish swims by, and then lunging forward and lashing the head from side to side in order to capture prey. Many times gars will lay still at the top of the water for long periods of time, appearing to be merely a log. They prefer to eat fish however have been known to eat birds, small mammals, turtles, and crabs.