The Alligator Gar, often referred to as a 'living fossil,' has thrived for an astonishing 100 million years. Inside its crocodile-like mouth are two rows of razor-sharp teeth, designed to tear through prey with a single bite. Astoundingly, this ancient fish has survived not only natural calamities but also the age of the dinosaurs, outlasting these mighty creatures.
Typically found in rivers across the United States and Mexico, and occasionally in the Gulf of Mexico, the Alligator Gar has a diverse diet ranging from crustaceans and fish to birds, mammals, and even turtles. It features a remarkably long snout and armor-like scales, making it easily mistaken for a crocodile when it glides along the water's surface.
Known for its impressive size, the Alligator Gar can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh as much as 136 kilograms. It exhibits rapid growth, often reaching two feet in its first year as it continues to grow throughout its lifetime, which can span up to a remarkable 100 years.
Why is it called a living fossil?
The Alligator Gar is part of a group of ancient creatures that have existed for millions of years, preserving their species without evolution or significant change, unlike humans who evolved from primates. The evolutionary development of the Alligator Gar has remarkably come to a near-standstill.
In the early 1930s, these formidable fish stirred fear in the waters of America, prompting the Texas Game Fish Commission to order their electrification, a move dubbed the ‘Gar Destroyer’ mission. Today, however, this fish is protected in Florida, with several regions in Texas having imposed restrictions or bans on its hunting.
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
A Legacy of Survival
Despite attempts to control its population, the Alligator Gar continues to be an awe-inspiring testament to nature's resilience. This majestic fish stands as a reminder of an era when colossal creatures roamed the earth, showcasing life's ability to adapt and endure through the eons.
