Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula (Lepisosteus spatula)

The Alligator Gar, native to slow-moving waters of the Mississippi region and southeast of the USA, can be mistaken for its namesake Alligator in the water, reaching 2, and possibly 3, metres long.

The Alligator Gar is the largest of the gars and one of the largest freshwater fish in North America. Their native range in the US and Mexico is much reduced partly by deliberate extermination.

The juvenile Alligator Gar resembles its relative, the Spotted Gar. It loses its spots as it grows older. Its scales are hard and bony.

They are primitive fish that haven't changed much for millions of years and can breathe air as well as water. They can tolerate brackish water of river estuaries as well as fresh water.

The Alligator Gar has a jaw unlike other gars, with a dual row of sharp teeth in the upper jaw as well as a single row in the lower jaw to immobilise its prey of fish, crustaceans, reptiles, waterfowl and small mammals. Its head is conical with a broad snout like an alligator.