Alligator gar
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| phylum | Chordata | The Alligator Gar ("Gator Gar") is a primitive ray-finned fish. Unlike other Gars, the mature Alligator Gar possesses a dual row of large teeth in the upper jaw. Its name derives from the alligator-like appearance of these teeth along with the fish's elongated snout. The dorsal surface of the Alligator Gar is a brown or olive color, while the ventral surface tends to be lighter. Along with its status as the largest species of Gar, the Alligator Gar is the largest exclusively freshwater fish found in North America, measuring 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m) and weighing at least 200 lb (91 kg) at maturity. The fish is also known for its ability to survive outside the water, being able to last for up to two hours above the surface.
For more information, visit the Wikipedia entry. Get back to Lepisosteiformes |
| class | Actinopterygii | |
| order | Lepisosteiformes | |
| family | Lepisosteidae | |
| genus | Atractosteus | |
| species | A. spatula |
