Latin Name:  Atractosteus spatula

General Size:  24" x 12"

The alligator gar truly looks more like an alligator than a fish. This ancient-looking fish can be found in slow moving freshwater systems throughout subtropical North America. The alligator gar will feed on turtles, birds, crabs, and small mammals. As a result of their carnivorous diet and warm water habitat these fish can get up to 10 feet in length, weigh over 300 pounds and be up to 50 years old. Though they are fished for with conventional hook and line methods they are also taken using a compound bow with a specialized reel that spools out the arrow once a fish is shot. The alligator gar is the most toothsome fish in this skeletal gallery however there are no reported attacks on people to date (though the eggs are poisonous).

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