Page 154 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2021
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LEISURE
154 | September 2021 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
2100 E. Beach Blvd., Gulfport 228.241.1300 www.msaquarium.org
GET TO KNOW THE GULF:
CLASSIFICATION CLASS: Atractosteus spatula FAMILY: Lepisosteidea
GENUS: Atractosteus
SPECIES: A. spatula
• Alligator Gar have been around for 100 million years.
• They live in freshwater and brackish water.
• The Alligator Gar is an apex predator that feeds on fish, crabs, turtles, birds, and small mammals.
• It has a dual row of sharp teeth.
• The Alligator Gar was considered a “trash” or “nuisance” fish for almost 50 years.
• Alligator Gars can grow up to lengths of 10 feet and weigh 350 pounds.
• The body of an Alligator Gar is shaped like a torpedo.
Alligator Gar
fun facts
