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Animal Guide

Alligator Gar

32 destinations · 19 states

Native Range
Mississippi River basin and Gulf Coast drainages of the southern United States and northern Mexico

The alligator gar looks like a fish from another age, with a long snout packed with sharp teeth, a heavily armored body, and a slow, deliberate swimming style. Spend a few minutes watching one and you'll notice that it often seems almost motionless before making a sudden adjustment. Its body is covered in hard, diamond-shaped scales that provide remarkable protection, while the long jaws are suited to grabbing fish and other prey. Alligator gar are ambush hunters, often waiting near the surface or among vegetation before striking. They can also gulp air at the surface, using a highly vascularized swim bladder to supplement oxygen from the water. That ability helps them survive in warm, sluggish waters where oxygen levels can drop. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are not constantly chasing prey. Much of their time is spent conserving energy and watching for an opportunity. At an aquarium, the best view is often from the front, where the long snout and rows of teeth make it clear why this ancient-looking fish has such a memorable profile.

Alligator Gar

Where to see Alligator Gar

32 destinations across 19 states

32 destinations

ABQ BioPark Aquarium

Albuquerque, NM

Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria, LA

Audubon Aquarium

New Orleans, LA

Audubon Zoo

New Orleans, LA

Austin Aquarium

Austin, TX

Belle Isle Aquarium

Detroit, MI

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH

Crocodile Encounter

Angleton, TX

Downtown Aquarium

Houston, TX

East Idaho Aquarium

Idaho Falls, ID

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Scranton, PA

Gladys Porter Zoo

Brownsville, TX

Great Lakes Aquarium

Duluth, MN

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX

Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center

Medicine Park, OK

Mississippi Aquarium

Gulfport, MS

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic, CT

National Aquarium

Baltimore, MD

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Dubuque, IA

Newport Aquarium

Newport, KY

Oklahoma Aquarium

Jenks, OK

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Omaha, NE

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Gatlinburg, TN

SEA LIFE at Mall of America

Bloomington, MN

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

Shreveport Aquarium

Shreveport, LA

St. Louis Aquarium

St. Louis, MO

Steinhart Aquarium

San Francisco, CA

Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga, TN

The Florida Aquarium

Tampa, FL

Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Springfield, MO

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