What is Alligator Gar?
Alligator gar is an ancient fish which belongs to the family of Lepisosteiformes. It is also called “garfish”, “gator gar”, or “garpike”, and natively lives in freshwater areas in North America as far north as Wisconsin and Illinois, as far south as Mexico and eastward across most of the continental United States. The alligator gar is the only living species of the genus Atractosteus, the family Lepisosteidae, and the infraclass Holostei. It is a huge, air-breathing fish which typically grows six feet (1.8 meters) in length and can weigh up to 300 pounds (145 kilograms). Alligator gar are also among the largest of existing freshwater species.
Appearance of Alligator Gar
This fish species possesses distinctive physical characteristics. Its broad, flat body is moderately proportioned, with a long snout and long dorsal fin that runs the length of its body. It is generally a olive-green colored fish with thousands of small, black spots scattered across its body. Its underside is lighter in color, ranging from light yellow to white. It also has two rows of very sharp teeth.
Life Cycle and Habitat of Alligator Gar
Mature alligator gar have a lifespan of up to 15 years and during this time they may travel hundreds of miles. It is an anadromous fish, meaning that it moves between fresh water and salt water habitats. It is typically found in large, slow-moving rivers and streams, but it can also be found brackish and coastal waters in the Gulf of Mexico. In freshwater, alligator gar are most often found in deepwater pools, often near log jams, sunken trees, and other submerged aquatic vegetation.
Alligator gar spawn in the spring, with females depositing up to seven million eggs in shallow water. The eggs develop into larvae that remain in the shallows seeking food. As the larvae reach maturity, they migrate to deeper pools where they feed on small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and young turtles.
Threats to Alligator Gar Population
Alligator gar have been historically overfished and subject to multiple threats, including degradation of their natural habitats, pollution, and alteration of water flow patterns. This has caused a dramatic decline in their population, leaving them a rare species in many areas.
Furthermore, as popular game fish, alligator gar have been targeted by anglers and is the object of extensive recreational fisheries. The fishermen are supplied with garfish-specific gear, such as treble hooks, cast nets, and modified gigging poles that are used capture the large and ferocious fish. This has caused further reduction in the alligator gar population and is a major contributing factor to the decline in their numbers over the years.
Protection Efforts of Alligator Gar
Fortunately, authorities have taken notice and protective measures have been put in place. In some states, such as Texas, Kansas, and Missouri, alligator gar are now designated as “protected fish species”, meaning that it is illegal to target and kill them intentionally. Additionally, research projects have been initiated in several areas to study the alligator gar population and develop an appropriate management plan for their protection.
Efforts have also been made to reintroduce the species into certain areas of the United States. In November 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife released nearly 20,000 alligator gar into the Trinity and San Jacinto rivers near Houston, Texas. The goal was to repopulate the two rivers, which formerly hosted substantial populations of the fish.
Conclusion
The Alligator gar is a unique and fascinating species. Its fierce appearance and the fight it puts up when captured by fishermen have made it a sought-after game fish. Unfortunately, its population has been drastically reduced due to overfishing and destruction of its breeding habitats. Fortunately, authorities have taken notice and protective measures have been put in place to help protect the species and allow it to thrive again in its native habitats.