Alligator gar...

Alligator Gar, also referred to as the gator gar, has always been a prized catch among the bow hunters. The scientific name of this species of garfish is Atractosteus spatula. Alligator Gar is a large and broad fish, with a short snout. Alligator gars have teeth quite similar to that of an alligator and hence the name. Mature alligator gars possess twin rows of large teeth in its upper jaw, giving it a very brackish appearance.

They are of a light brown or olive color, with undersides usually of a light yellow or white. They have large black spots near the rear part of their body and on the rear fins. Young alligator gars have a light stripe that stretches along their back, from the tip of the snout to the upper base of the caudal fin. They have ganoid scales on their body that protect them like armor. These scales are used by the American Indians to make arrowheads and adorn their native tribal attire. The scales make good jewelry that is quite a treasured possession of the natives. Alligator gars are generally found in sluggish pools and the backwaters of large rivers and lakes. Alligator gars are found mostly in the southeastern part of the United States, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Pictures of an alligator gar, now on the Internet: Bow fishermen flaunt their prized catches of alligator gars by taking pictures and displaying them on websites. Plenty of pictures, showing alligator gars of gigantic proportions are available for everyone to see. You can gauge from these pictures, as to just how big these fish can grow.

The Second Largest Freshwater Fish In The North America: The alligator gars are the largest species of gar fish, as also one of the largest freshwater fish in North America. At maturity, its length can vary from eight to twelve feet and its average weight is around 100 pounds. Their weight is known to increase to 300 pounds.

The World Record Alligator Gar: The present world record is held by an alligator gar that weighs 279 pounds. It was trapped in the Rio Grande River in Texas, in 1951. Larger alligator gars, weighing over 300 pounds, have also been trapped since. The bow fishing world record involves a catch of 290 lbs. Imagine the enormity of such a fish. Ever since people have been trying to break this record. Pictures of various fishermen and their catches are available on web sites for other to see.

Alligator gars are aggressive carnivores and they camouflage themselves by hiding amongst reeds, waiting for smaller fish to go by. Its appetite is huge and at times it is known to feed on ducks and other water birds too. The alligator gar has even been photographed catching a five foot alligator, prior to devouring it. However, fish remains its primary source of food. Seldom are they known to attack humans. However, their presence near the boat needs to be monitored, since their needle sharp teeth can hurt an awful lot.

Due to habitat changes, the number of gars is decreasing rapidly. Their growth is known to be rapid in the first two years, during which they gain weight up to 20 lbs. They continue to grow, but at a slower rate, for the rest of their life. Their life span is known to extend up to 75 years. Due to their limited number today, the alligator gar can be hunted only with a special research permit from the local authorities.