General Description: Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula), are large, fusiform, solitary fish that grow to 8-10 feet (usually 2-3 feet), and weigh up to about 200 pounds (record sizes even larger). The color is dark greenish-brown dorsally, lighter olive-green laterally with dark spots, and lighter ventrally. The large scales are diamond-shaped and overlapping. With elongate jaws and double rows of long, sharp teeth, the head of this fish looks like an American alligator, hence the name. Gar are ambush predators, hiding in vegetation and lunging out to catch fish, frogs, and probably anything else they want.

Taxonomy: Family: Lepisosteidae.

Where to Find: Don't look for Alligator Gar around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them in fresh and brackish waters in the southeastern US and south into Mexico.