SPOTTED ALLIGATOR GAR | Lepisosteus oculatus

Lepisosteus oculatus Gars are ancient-looking, predatory ray-finned fishes characterized by elongated bodies, ganoid (hard, enamel-like) scales, and long jaws with sharp teeth. They are primarily freshwater (some tolerate brackish water) and are ambush predators of fish and other aquatic animals.

Distinguishing Features

• Elongated, torpedo-shaped body with dorsal/anal fins set far back
  
• Hard, rhomboid ganoid scales forming armor-like covering
  
• Long snout (variable by species) with numerous sharp teeth
  
• Ability to gulp air using a vascularized swim bladder (facultative air-breathing)
  
• Typically ambush predators in vegetated or slow waters

Distinctive Features

• Adult size range across the family is broad: roughly ~0.6-3.0 m total length  with mass from under ~1 kg in small adults to 100+ kg in the largest individuals.
• Body form: elongated, cylindrical to slightly flattened; dorsal and anal fins set far back near the tail for burst acceleration in ambush strikes.