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Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar are among the largest freshwater fish in North America, with the largest documented specimen exceeding 8 feet in length and weighing over 300 pounds. They are long-lived species, often exceeding 60 years of age.

These ancient fish are ambush predators and are quite sluggish in nature. Contrary to common misconceptions, they do not pose a threat to sportfish populations.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from other gar species by their distinctive short, wide snout resembling an alligator when viewed from above, unlike the longer, narrower snouts of Longnose Gar or the spotted patterns of Spotted Gar.
  • They have a mouth full of sharp teeth and bony scales.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found exclusively in West Tennessee waters within the Mississippi River basin.
  • They do not occur in middle or east Tennessee.
  • They prefer large, slow-moving rivers, reservoirs, oxbow lakes, bayous, and can tolerate brackish water.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River, Obion River, Forked Deer, Hatchie River, Loosahatchie River, Wolf River, and Reelfoot Lake.

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Tennessee licenses and regulations

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