What's an Alligator Gar?
(Atractosteus spatula)

An alligator gar is a large ambush predator fish distinguished by its dagger-like teeth and prehistoric features. Gars can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds. Their diamond scales are like armor, and they can breathe in water and air. The gar’s unique attributes has helped it survive 110 million years from the Early Cretaceous Period.
The alligator gar is among the largest North American freshwater fishes and found from Illinois to Mexico. Unfortunately, the construction of dams, levees, and channelization has disrupted the natural habitat of alligator gars. They are now mostly concentrated further south around large rivers and tributaries that feed the Gulf of Mexico.
Years ago the alligator gar was misunderstood, and viewed as a predator of desirable sport fish (even rumored to attack humans!).  While it will eat bass if easily available, the gar primarily eats rough fish like shad.  In fact, there is hope that the repopulation of alligator gars will help control invasive Asian carp. Federal, state, and private organizations are working together to reintroduce the alligator gar to its natural habitat.
Read more or watch the videos about this amazing fish…

​Huge, once-hated fish now seen as weapon against Asian carp. (Story regarding repopulation efforts)
​The Tennessee Aquarium (General information about the alligator gar.)
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (Seriously in depth information regarding the alligator gar)
Alligator Gar Technical Committee (Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society)
Big Fish: Return of the Alligator Gar (Great story about the repopulation efforts in Illinois)