Atractosteus tristoechus

(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Vernacular names
English : Cuban gar
French : Garpique de Cuba

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

Identification
Adults usually grow to 1 meter in length, rarely up to 2 meters. Jaw is very broad and short. Juveniles are spotted but adults are uniformly olive-brown, sometimes with a golden tinge on flanks with no markings. Fins are striated.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to western Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud. It may have been introduced in other parts of Cuba and USA but mostly as farmed hybrids. Lives in slow-moving rivers, swamps and lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very small range but is now farmed and has been introduced elsewhere (but probably as hybrids). In the wild, juveniles are preyed on by introduced fishes such as the black bass. Its habitat is also threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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