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The Alligator Gar is the largest species in the gar family and is among the largest freshwater fish in North America. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh over 300 pounds.
The Alligator Gar is named for its broad snout, which resembles that of an alligator. It has a long, cylindrical body covered with thick, diamond-shaped scales. The color ranges from olive brown to gray, with a lighter underside.
In very rare occurrences, they can also be black, especially gars with a high level of melanin. Unlike other fishes, alligator gars have scales that are bone-like, rhomboidal-shaped and often covered by an enamel-like substance.
Naturally, they are found in slow-moving rivers, bayous, and lakes in the southeastern United States, from the Mississippi River basin to the Gulf of Mexico. They can also tolerate brackish and saltwater environments.
Alligator Gars are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, but they are also known to eat birds, small mammals, and other aquatic animals. Their sharp, double rows of teeth make them effective predators.
Despite their formidable appearance, alligator gars are generally non-aggressive towards humans. They are known for their slow and deliberate movements, often floating near the water’s surface.
Female Alligator Gars can lay up to 150,000 eggs at a time. The eggs are sticky and attach to submerged vegetation. However, the eggs are toxic to humans if ingested. These fish have a long lifespan, often living for over 50 years in the wild.
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