Although the alligator gar is one of the oldest species alive today, it was largely dismissed as a nuisance or "trash fish" throughout the 20th century, deemed unworthy of the aquatic environment.
It was commonly believed that this fish preyed on valuable sport fish and ruined fishing nets. Yet, the alligator gar is actually a remarkable creature, capable of growing up to 350 pounds and stretching as long as 10 feet, making it the largest predominantly freshwater fish in North America. (The white sturgeon is generally recognized as the largest, though it spends significant time in saltwater.)
In recent years, the alligator gar's image has dramatically improved. It has gained popularity through its inclusion in the widely played video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons and has become a sought-after catch among fishing enthusiasts.
The Ancient Alligator Gar
Auto Draft Although it shares a name with alligators, the alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is not related to them. The moniker comes from their similar physical features, notably the broad head and sharp teeth of the gar that echo those of an alligator.
The formidable appearance of the alligator gar not only resembles that of its reptilian namesake but also reflects its deep evolutionary roots. This species is one of the few remaining fish that lived alongside the dinosaurs, with fossil evidence tracing its presence back to the Early Cretaceous Period, over 100 million years ago.
Given its ancient origins, it's not surprising that the alligator gar ranks among the largest freshwater fishes, although it also tolerates saline environments. This species, which is found in North America, Central America, and Cuba, stands out as the largest of the gar species globally.
Auto Draft The record for the largest alligator gar ever caught with a rod and reel belongs to a fish reeled in from the Rio Grande River in 1951, weighing 279 pounds.
World War II veteran and Mission, Texas council member Guillermo "Bill" Valverde was the angler who caught this enormous fish, earning a permanent spot in the annals of fishing history.
Despite this impressive record, historical accounts suggest that alligator gars can grow even larger. Specimens in the wild have been known to reach weights of up to 350 pounds and lengths of up to 10 feet.
A Common Catch In Texas
Auto Draft While alligator gar are found across North and Central America, they are most prevalent in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Their range extends from Oklahoma westward, Arkansas to the north, down through Texas, and parts of Mexico to the south, reaching as far east as Florida.
Locally known as the gator gar, this species is a familiar presence in the lakes and rivers throughout Texas. A study even indicates that the alligator gar is one of the most dominant predators in Texas waters, potentially outnumbering the commonly encountered bull shark.
Texas hosts at least four gar species: the spotted gar, the longnose gar, the shortnose gar, and the alligator gar.
Despite each species of gar possessing distinct characteristics, they share common features such as the elongated snout, a hallmark of the alligator gar. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department notes that the alligator gar is frequently misidentified, with many locals confusing it with other types of gar.
The alligator gar is broader than its gar relatives and features a uniquely short, wide snout. Its olive-brown body is protected by shiny, hard scales. Like other fish, it has gills, but it also possesses a swim bladder that connects to its gut through a special duct, enabling it to breathe air from the surface and survive in low-oxygen waters.
Auto Draft Contrary to what their formidable size might suggest, alligator gars are not aggressive predators towards humans. They are harmless unless one consumes their toxic eggs, and there have been no reports of them attacking humans unprovoked.
Their diet mainly consists of fish, small turtles, birds, blue crabs, and small mammals, with few natural predators to threaten them. Interestingly, alligators, sharing part of their name, are among the few predators known to occasionally prey on them.
The breeding season for the alligator gar occurs typically from April to May. These ancient fish reproduce slowly, often going years without spawning. When they do spawn, the eggs hatch within a few days, and the young feed on larval fish and insects.
While the alligator gar does not pose a threat to humans, its eggs contain toxins, serving as a natural defense mechanism against potential predators.
From "Trash Fish" To Prized Reel
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Although still relatively common in areas like Texas, the alligator gar was far more widespread across the United States decades ago. Previously dismissed as a "trash fish," it faced near elimination due to its unfavorable status among locals who now celebrate it as a popular catch.
The alligator gar's unattractive appearance contributed to myths that it was a nuisance, damaging fishing nets and consuming prized game fish. These misconceptions fueled widespread eradication efforts in the 1950s due to its poor reputation.
"It's a unique fish, a misunderstood fish, and it's had an unfounded bad rap," said Dave Terre, chief of fisheries management and research at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Recent research has shed light on the alligator gar, highlighting its historical significance and essential role in maintaining the health of local ecosystems.
Over recent years, the perception of the alligator gar has shifted from being seen as an undesirable "bottom feeder" to being recognized as a valuable catch. It has also gained popularity as a culinary delicacy in some parts of the U.S., where dishes like fried gar balls and fillets are enjoyed. Additionally, some entrepreneurs have even started crafting novelty jewelry from the scales of the alligator gar.
Auto Draft While the gar's reputation has improved, its populations could face challenges without proper fishing regulations (notably, Texas enforces stringent measures). Concerns also persist regarding the fish's notoriously slow reproductive rate.
Alligator gar do not reach reproductive maturity until they are around 10 years old, and they only breed when environmental conditions are optimal for laying eggs. This slow reproduction cycle means that if their numbers were to decline significantly, recovery would be challenging and slow.
"We have much less flexibility with alligator gar because of the fragile nature of these populations," Terre said. "Our harvest regulations will always need to be on the restrictive side."
