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Description
Reaching eight feet long, alligator gar are truly the leviathans among North
American freshwater fishes. Their long, cylindrical bodies are sheathed in armor-like, interlocking bony plates so tough that their hides were once used by native peoples as body armor. Two rows of
teeth in the upper jaw and a short, broad snout--only twice as long as the head--distinguish this species from the other four gars. The body is dark brown to tan on the top and the sides white to
yellowish. Occasionally, large brown blotches are found on the tail area and about the fins. The tail fin is rounded and slightly lopsided. Living specimens of this primitive fish closely resemble gars
recorded in fossils from 75 millions years ago.
Biology
Little is known about the biology of
this animal. They live in sluggish pools and backwaters of large rivers, swamps, bayous, and lakes, and are well-adapted to life in low-quality waters. Along the Gulf coast they frequently enter
brackish water. Open waters of large and deep bayous seem to be their favorite haunts. Seldom are they encountered in shallow water. Though a lot remains to be known about this huge fish, their
fondness of meat is well understood. Floating like a piece of driftwood in the current, they charge unsuspecting fish, turtles, waterfowl and small mammals. And their toothy jaws make escape nearly
impossible. Spawning occurs from April to June, coincident with spring flooding, when they move into backwaters and flooded lowland swamps. Reproductive habits have not been described, but they
may not differ much from those of other gars. Females are attended by several males as they lay large, sticky eggs in vegetated shallows. The parents offer no protection to young fish and the eggs are
reported to be toxic to warm-blooded creatures. Possibly living beyond 60 years old, gar between six and eight feet long have been regularly reported over the years. The largest known individual was 10
feet long and weighed over 300 pounds.
Distribution This species ranges from Vera Cruz, Mexico, along the Gulf
slope drainages to the Florida panhandle, and into the Mississippi Valley. Once they were found in the upper Ohio and Mississippi rivers but are now rarely caught above St. Louis, Missouri. Populations also
occur in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Throughout the periphery of its range, this fish is becoming scarce or has altogether disappeared.
Bowfishing Facts If there is one fish you seek out in your bowfishing career, this should be the one. It is the ultimate freshwater predator! Crank
up the bow, chisel the points, and invest in premium arrows because you are in for a ride! Use floats because a 100 pound Alligator Gar WILL pull you in the water! You might be better off
just writing us and we can give you the large amounts of advise that will help in the pursuit of this trophy fish. Jerry@carpkillerconnection.com |
