Atractosteus spatula

(Lacepède, 1803)

Vernacular names
English : Alligator gar
French : Garpique alligator

Classification
Class : Holostei
Order : Lepisosteiformes
Family : Lepisosteidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The largest species of its genus, reaching up to 3 meters in length for a weight of 137 kg. Jaws are broad and short. All find have black spots. Coloration olive-yellow with black spotting on flanks and back, belly whitish. Sometimes all black.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern North America, in the Mississippi basin and in the Gulf of Mexico coastal Plain from Florida to Veracruz in Mexico. Lives in slow-moving rivers, backwaters, swamps, bayous and lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very common in suitable habitat and has been widely introduced. Often targeted by fisheries.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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