Did you know there's a creature in the Southern United States that is virtually unchanged from 100 million years ago? Stalking its prey in the shallows of reservoirs and lakes, it can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and has two rows of long, razor-sharp teeth.
If you think we're describing an alligator, you're only half correct. No, this is the alligator gar , a "living fossil" of sorts that has barely evolved since the Cretaceous Period.
Here are five toothy facts about the alligator gar, North America's prehistoric predator.
A 2024 study by Oxford Academic revealed that the alligator gar has the slowest rate of evolution of all jawed vertebrates. The species remains so unchanged that it is still capable of producing hybrid offspring with the longnose gar!
Due to contaminants in their habitat that build up within their flesh and organs, an alligator gar's eggs are toxic and can cause illness if consumed.
Alligator gar possess a swim bladder, which allows them to breathe air in brackish pools where oxygen is limited.
While they are called alligator gar, this enormous fish has actually existed longer than the alligator!
The alligator gar possesses unique scales—called ganoid scales—that act a bit like chainmail. This tough exterior is a defense mechanism against other predators. Their scales are so tough, in fact, that Native Americans once used them as arrowheads.
While alligator gar's diet consists primarily of fish, as ambush hunters they have been known to eat birds and turtles as well.
The lack of evolutionary changes in the alligator gar has led to its unique and prehistoric appearance. Its long snout and rows of needle-sharp teeth certainly look like something from the distant past.
Looking at an alligator gar is like looking into the past. Free from evolutionary changes, this interesting species ranks as one of the most fascinating fish in our waterways today!
While we might not have these "living fossils" swimming around our aquariums, we do have an unbelivable variety of ocean life that you're not going to want to miss! Make a splash at Ripley's Aquariums today!
