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SPOTTED
FRESHWATER FISHING
Spotted Gar
Florida Gar |
Longnose Gar |
Spotted Gar |
Alligator Gar
Spotted Gar
(Atractosteus
spatula) Common Names
- gar, garfish
Description
- They are one of the
most distinctive freshwater fish species. Alligator gars
are the largest of all gar species with a head that
looks very much like an alligator's. They can be
distinguished from all other gars species by the two
rows of teeth in the upper jaw, their short-broader
snout, and their size when fully grown. The body is
long, slender, and olive or greenish brown (sometimes
black) along the back and upper sides with white to
yellow bellies. The sides are mottled toward the head
with large black spots toward the rear and on the rear
fins. The young have a light stripe along their back
from tip of snout to upper base of caudal fin.
Subspecies
- There are no
recognized subspecies.
Range
- Found in the
Escambia, Yellow and Choctawhatchee rivers in northwest
Florida. They have also been found in the Econfina/Bear
Creek area of Bay County.
Habitat
- They inhabit sluggish
pools and backwaters of large rivers, bayous and lakes.
They rarely are found in brackish or salt water.
Spawning Habits
- Although complete
life history information is lacking, it is believed that
alligator gars spawn in early May, probably in a manner
similar to other gars.
Feeding Habits
- They mainly feed on
fish but are known to eat ducks and other water birds.
Age and Growth
- They are one of the
monsters of fresh waters. They can reach lengths of up
to 10 feet and weights of more than 200 pounds.
Sporting Qualities
- Because of their huge
size and great strength, alligator gars are popular with
anglers. They are not a fish that is caught easily
because its sharp teeth will cut most lines in an
instant. They are sought often by bow-fishermen.
Eating Quality
- They are edible, but
are not highly rated by most people. As with other gars,
the roe is toxic.
World Record
- 279.00 pounds, caught
in the Rio Grande River, Texas, in 1951.
State Record -
123.00 pounds, caught in the Choctowhatchee River,
Walton County, in 1995.
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