Alligator Gar
Species Facts

Science Name: Lepisosteus spatula
Other Names: gar, garfish, garpike, gater gar
World Record: 279 lbs. Rio Grande River
Environment: river, lake
Techniques: bow fishing
Range: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina

 

Description

Gars are easily distinguished from other freshwater species by long, slender, cylindrical bodies, their long snouts, and by the fact that they are equipped with diamond shaped interlocking (ganoid) scales. Additionally, the dorsal and anal fins are placed well back on the body, and nearly opposite each other. The tail fin is rounded. Alligator gar may be distinguished from other gars by the presence of two rows of large teeth on either side of the upper jaw in large young and adults. Coloration is generally brown or olive above, and lighter underneath. Lepisosteus is Greek, meaning “bony scale”, and spatula is Latin for “spoon”, referring to the creatures broad snout.

Gar have traditionally been considered rough fish by the majority of anglers. However, for a relatively few mavericks gar fishing may be quite an exciting and enjoyable sport. In Texas, alligator gar have been captured up to 279 pounds by rod and reel anglers, and over 300 pounds by trotliners.

Where to Find
Alligator gar are present in the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain from the Econfina River in west Florida west and south to Veracruz, Mexico. The species range extends north in the Mississippi River basin to the lower reaches of the Missouri and Ohio rivers. An isolated population also occurs in Nicaragua.

Habitat
They appear to spawn in the spring beginning sometime in May. Eggs are deposited in shallow water. Alligator gar are usually found in slow sluggish waters, although running water seems to be necessary for spawning. Young fish may consume insects.

Feeding Habits
Adults feed primarily on fish, but will also take waterfowl. The species is able to tolerate greater salinities than other gar species and feeds heavily on marine catfish when available.

Tips for Fishing

Alligator gar are often taken by anglers using nylon threads, rather than hooks, to entangle the fishes many sharp teeth, or by bowfishers.