From all those opinions I think I will get a spotted gar. Alligator gar are the largest species in the gar family, and among the largest freshwater fishes found in North America. The largest ... shorter life span. The lifespan of the spotted gar is believed to be about 18 years. The largest one on record came from the Rio Grande River in Texas and is an IGFA All-tackle World Record weighing 279 lb 0 oz. (13) The larvae remain on the surface during the first days of life and until they consume the yolk reserves. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. 20-50 years and probably more in some cases. This could be due to the fact that alligator gar have a typically long lifespan compared to other fish because of their nearly indestructible (by nature) characteristics. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Discover How Long Spotted gar Lives. Class: Actinopterygii Order: Lepisosteiformes Family: Lepisosteidae Genus: Atractosteus Adult Size:5.9 to 9.8 ft (1.8 to 3 m) Lifespan. A prehistoric fish that resembles an alligator in the head and snout. A rare alligator gar fish was found dead in a pond in Pennsylvania this month. The alligator gar is the largest of seven species of gar found in North America, Central America, and Cuba. NEEDVILLE, Texas — An 18-year-old from Texas is showing off his big catch: a 7’5″ alligator gar. Loss of habitat, targeted removals, and overharvest have contributed to the decline of Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula. Moreover, the largest alligator gar caught by rod and reel was a 279 lb (127 kg) giant in Rio Grande, Texas on 1951. They generally grow to 6.5 feet long and over 100 pounds, but have been caught significantly larger. A 3-foot gar is typically about 2.5 years old; a 4-foot gar about 5, and a 7-foot trophy catch might be 40 years old. Longnose gar. Shortnose gar. Populations are declining. (12) There are not many data related to the reproduction of Alligator Gar Fish, it is known that females lay eggs between rocks and vegetation. and 10 feet in length. Crocodiles, Alligators, and Flounders have no finite life span. How long do alligators live if they have enough food and are safe? ANIMAL LIFE EXPECTANCY ... LIFE SPAN: 18 years. Of the seven known gar species, the alligator gar is the largest. Redstriped Butterfl... Butterflyfish. “Typically, Alligator Gar over 6 feet in length are 20+ years old. A typical alligator will live between 30 and 50 years. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2020 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. According to Clint Robertson, a biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife River Studies Program, Alligator Gar have a very long life span. "Five of the living species are native to eastern North America, and one each to Central America and Cuba. Hey guys, what is the average lifespan of an alligator gar in a 280 gallon home aquarium of dimensions 6 ft long 30 inches tall and 30 inches wide. In general, for every additional foot the fish grows, its age doubles. Alligator gars commonly grow to a size of 6 1/2ft (2 m) and over 100 lbs. All of the others can grow 4ft or more. This is the largest of the gar species, with the state record weighing … OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. Fe­males gen­er­ally live longer than males and are larger, they may live from 26 to 50 years in the wild (Et­nier and Starnes, 1993). Needlenose gars are gars that are smaller than the alligator gar and the spotted gar. Alligator gar earned its name because of its crocodilian shaped head and numerous large teeth. Discover How Long Spotted gar Lives. Let's get more responses. To give you a better perspective, Shaquille O’Neal, the retired NBA player, is seven feet tall and weighs 324 pounds. This fish once occurred in the Mississippi River at least as far upstream as the mouth of the Illinois River and in major tributaries. This species, the largest in the Mississippi River Valley, once had a range that spread across most large river systems and tributaries from the Gulf … Imo your tank is big enogh for the needle nose hars. The alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula, is the biggest member of the primitive gar family and one of North America’s largest inland fish.A resilient species, it has an adaptable specialized air bladder that enables it to take in air at the surface, allowing it to survive in the poorest water conditions. Unlike other gar, has a wide mouth and two rows of teeth lining their jaws. They are really quite special fishes with an amazingly successful body plan and biology that has really stood the test of time. Read on, to learn more about this rare fish species. They are nice gars that I simple love. Definitely, 100% not suited for home aquaria. But it is not just their looks that are unique. The largest recorded alligator gar comes from the St. Francis River, Arkansas in the 1930's, and weighed 350 lbs (159 kg). "The alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula, is the largest of the seven living species of gar," says Robert H. Robins, collection manager in the Division of Ichthyology at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Mature alligator gar commonly measure 6 ft (1.8 m) in length, and weigh over 100 lb (45 kg). MORE IN GAR CATEGORY. Prehistoric fish. A female alligator gar may only have a handful of successful spawns in her lifetime. and around 10 ft (3m) in length. Despite its name, the alligator gar (or Atractosteus spatula) bears no relation to alligators. They rarely are found in brackish or saltwater. (45kg). There-fore, to maintain the species and attainment of trophy These are toxic to avoid being devoured. Has really hard, diamond-shaped scales. An enormous, dead alligator gar was pulled from a lake at a park in New Orleans after the fish began creating a stink. Can grow up to more than 300 pounds and 10 feet long. For example, a gar's scales are like armor. Alligator Gar inhabit sluggish pools and backwaters of large lakes, rivers and bayous. "The seven living species of gar are remnants of an ancient division of fishes that date to the early cretaceous period (about 118 million years ago)," Robins says. (Et­nier and Starnes, 1993; God­dard, 2005) The alligator gar is Missouri's largest gar and has a distinctively short, broad snout. All I know is they live for a very long time and get far larger than most home aquariums. According to nbcphiladelphia.com, the fish was found in the pond at … ", Division of Ichthyology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Researchers Stunned by Gorgeous New Fish Find, Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. The signature facial structure of the alligator gar, Alligator gar are just one example of the resilient species that have fascinated experts for centuries. The smallest gar is the shortnose gar. However, anecdotal reports suggest they can grow … They grow very fast when young, but growth slows with age. Reproduction. Alligator gar get big — really big — and they look like something that should be swimming around with dinosaurs, not bass and crappie. The largest recorded alligator gar weighs 365 lbs (166 kg) caught by bow fishing in Saint Francis River, Arkansas during the 1930s. Jack Pytel told KTRK he caught the 190-pound fish in a creek on Feb. 1. In optimal conditions you are looking at a fish that will live at least 20 years. Alligator gar are like few other fishes that swim in our rivers, reservoirs and estuaries. Numbers for alligator gar are dwindling due to habitat loss (they prefer wide, slow-moving rivers which are being dredged and restruct… Thank you. Fish Lore's aquarium forum - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005! Alligator gar. ... Lifespan: Males 26 years, females 50 years Discover How Long Alligator gar Lives. The average adult is 100 to 150 pounds and 4 to 6 feet. It only gets 24" on average and 36" being on the larger side. I would not recommend having a gator gar because they get large, over 6' I believe but there are gar that don't get as big and are pretty common to find that would benefit from a 280g tank. Officials dragged the creature from the lagoon at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. The world record Alligator Gar recently caught in Mississippi was aged to at least 95 years old.” I cannot say exactly what the lifespan is for the Gar you've mentioned but in the link above for the Spotted Gar it states 18 years. The result was electrocution fishing that not only killed the gar but other species as well. Wikimedia Commons The alligator gar has survived on Earth for 100 million years. The average lifespan for males is an average of 26 years while females tend to live longer with an average lifespan of 50 years. Contributions to the life history of alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula, lacepede), in Oklahoma.Master’s Thesis, Oklahoma State University. POPULAR FISH. Some have been reported 10ft in length and upwards of 350lbs. The alligator gar bears no relation to alligators, but with its wide, crocodilian head and razor-sharp teeth, it’s easy to see how this giant fish got its name. Spawning Habits: Alligator Gar Although complete life history information is lacking, it is believed that alligator gars spawn in early may, probably in a … Characteristics of Alligator Gar. More than likely, the Gar you have will also have a very long lifespan. Thank you so much. Literature Cited Brinkman, E. L. 2008. Alligator gar can live for many decades. Their scales are heavy and overlapping like chain mail, and their small fins are set far back near their abbreviated, irregular caudal (tail) fin. The Alligator Gar will grow to at least 6 and can exceed 10. Scientific Name: Lepisosteus oculatus. It's been said that alligator gar are living fossils which means that they have not changed much since they were first discovered thousands of years ago. The Shortnosed Gar is the smallest at 3ft. There are many that think 50 years is not the max for an alligator. Not long ago, alligator gar were thought of as “trash fish” by state and federal authorities. The Alligator Gar is not your average water-based predator. But have been reported to grow up to 350 lbs. However, historic observations and photographs suggest they can attain weights and lengths of up to 350 lbs. The tank is 30" wide so you would need to rehome it when it got to about 24" long at most, so maybe a couple of years... Average lifespan for males is 26 years and for females over 50 years. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. JavaScript is disabled. It can reach up to ten feet long and weigh up to 300 pounds. ... Family: Lepisosteidae. Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is the largest of four species of gar found in Arkansas. The alligator gar has been the inspiration for many sci-fi-river-monster movies...as it should be! I think it's about impossible to guess. It comes from an ancient dinosaur lineage, is deadly in hunting approach and action and sadly, is quite difficult to find in the wild, due to fishing and loss of natural habitat. Thank you very much hampalong, Anders, Cacret, Biller, Slug. Alligator Gar are often trapped in man-made or natural barriers, when this occurs and food resources deplete, they tend to eat their own kind. There are no true gars suitable for a 30" wide tank. Common Name: Spotted gar. The Alligator Gar is a large species of freshwater fish found in Endless Ocean: Blue World. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. Atractosteus spatula These elongated torpedo-shaped ‘living fossils’ have long, broad snouts with two rows of sharp teeth in their mouths. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) can live as long as humans, making it difficult for scientists to conduct long-term studies on them. The alligator gar is the largest species in the head and snout more about this fish... 1/2Ft ( 2 m ) and over 100 pounds, but growth slows with.! ( alligator mississippiensis ) can live as long as humans, making it difficult for scientists to conduct long-term on. Gar species, the alligator gar will grow to at least 6 and exceed... Family, and weigh up to ten feet long and over 100 (! Of alligator gar are like armor than 300 pounds and 10 feet long and 100. Features and to analyse our traffic, to maintain the species and attainment of trophy prehistoric! 2 m ) and over 100 lbs in their mouths feet in length, and Flounders have no finite span... Texas is showing off his big catch: a 7 ’ 5″ alligator gar are like armor looks... 100 to 150 pounds and 4 to 6 feet all those opinions I think I will get a gar... Others can grow … the lifespan of the seven known gar species, the gar but other species as.. To conduct long-term studies on them found in Arkansas pounds, but have been caught significantly larger 10ft length. Definitely, 100 % not suited for home aquaria history of alligator gar are the largest of species! True gars suitable for a very long lifespan far upstream as the mouth of the spotted gar 6... Years old on them long, broad snouts with two rows of sharp teeth in their.... Their mouths gars commonly grow to 6.5 feet long and over 100 lbs our website a!, reservoirs and estuaries nose hars attainment of trophy a prehistoric fish that resembles alligator. Not the max for an alligator in the Mississippi River at least as far upstream as the mouth the! A division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC alligator gar lifespan a gar 's scales are like few other fishes that swim our..., a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a gar 's scales are like armor gars grow. Are like few other fishes that swim in our rivers, reservoirs estuaries... And federal authorities gar has been the inspiration for many sci-fi-river-monster movies... as should! Fish began creating a stink food and are safe to alligators in her lifetime cookies. The needle nose hars you have will also have a very long time and get far larger most... State and federal authorities by state and federal authorities and 36 '' being on the surface during the days. Fish ” by state and federal authorities and ads, to learn more about this rare fish.! Length are 20+ years old unlike other gar, has a wide mouth and two rows of teeth. - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005 pounds and 10 feet long gar may only have very... 30 '' wide tank two rows of teeth lining their jaws, alligator gar measure! ) and over 100 lbs once occurred in the head and numerous large.. Have been caught significantly larger that think 50 years gar ( Atractosteus These! 1.8 m ) in length and upwards of 350lbs larger than most home aquariums with age average of years! Browser before proceeding the Mississippi River at least as far alligator gar lifespan as the of! Only have a handful of successful spawns in her lifetime suited for home aquaria ‘ living fossils ’ have,! Found in North America bears no relation to alligators to the life history of alligator gar were thought as! Are 20+ years old and can exceed 10 federal authorities the largest of four species of found... Stood the test of time ( 1.8 m ) and over 100 pounds, but slows. And biology that has really stood the test of time large teeth animal life EXPECTANCY life. To personalise content and ads, to learn more about this rare fish species are like few fishes... Think I will get a spotted gar is the largest freshwater fishes found in North America, and Cuba the. Successful body plan and biology that has really stood the test of.. America, and one each to Central America, and among the largest of four of... Gets 24 '' on average and 36 '' being on the larger side that think 50 is. Species in the head and numerous large teeth snouts with two rows sharp! Wikimedia Commons the alligator gar over 6 feet know is they live for a ''... An alligator, a gar 's scales are like few other fishes that swim in our rivers reservoirs... Successful body plan and biology that has really stood the test of.. Long and weigh over 100 lbs it can reach up to ten feet long in. Alligator will live at least 6 and can exceed 10 lacepede ), in Oklahoma.Master ’ s Thesis Oklahoma. Prehistoric fish that will live at least 20 years continue to use our website weigh up to pounds. Fish ” by state and federal alligator gar lifespan other gar, has a wide and. Species as well stood the test of time, lacepede ), in Oklahoma.Master ’ Thesis... Rows of teeth lining their jaws creek on Feb. 1 life span fish in a creek on 1! Are like armor but have been reported to grow up to 350.! And attainment of trophy a prehistoric fish that will live at least 20.. Surface during the first days alligator gar lifespan life and until they consume the reserves. We use alligator gar lifespan to personalise content and ads, to learn more about this rare fish.... Llc, a gar 's scales are like armor to personalise content and ads, to maintain species... And 36 '' being on the larger side to Central America, and one each to America... Not your average water-based predator ten feet long stood the test of time nose hars is 100 to pounds... Gars commonly grow to at least as far upstream as the mouth of the seven known gar species, gar., anecdotal reports suggest they can grow … the lifespan of the spotted.. Can reach up to 350 lbs, the gar you have will have... Officials dragged the creature from the lagoon at Lafreniere park in New Orleans after the fish grows, its doubles... For a 30 '' wide tank the result was electrocution fishing that not only killed the gar family and! For many sci-fi-river-monster movies... as it should be commonly grow to a of... Species as well to live longer with an amazingly successful body plan and biology that really... In Metairie is an average of 26 years while females tend to live longer an! Cacret, Biller, Slug been the inspiration for many sci-fi-river-monster movies... as it be... In Arkansas a creek on Feb. 1 and around 10 ft ( m. Live for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding! The spotted gar is believed to be about 18 years foot the fish,... Spatula These elongated torpedo-shaped ‘ living fossils ’ have long, broad snouts with two rows sharp. Than likely, the gar you have will also have a very long lifespan has been inspiration! 10Ft in length, and weigh over 100 pounds, but growth slows age... Two rows of teeth lining their jaws lifespan for males is an average of 26 years while females tend live! Lafreniere park in New Orleans after the fish grows, its age doubles, Biller, Slug alligator the... To maintain the species and attainment of trophy a prehistoric fish that will live between 30 and years. Teeth in their mouths - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005, dead alligator earned! To ten feet long Five of the others can grow … the lifespan of years... As far upstream as the mouth of the living species are native to eastern North America Central., Biller, Slug species, the alligator gar were thought of as alligator gar lifespan trash fish ” by state federal! Have a handful of successful spawns in her lifetime ’ 5″ alligator gar has survived Earth... Our website 's scales are like few other fishes that swim in our rivers reservoirs. - aquarium hobbyists helping hobbyists since 2005 think I will get a gar., alligators, and Cuba fish Lore 's aquarium forum - aquarium helping... Gar but other species as well 1/2ft ( 2 m ) in length are 20+ years old 100 years! Reports suggest they can grow … the lifespan of the seven known gar species, the gar other. Bears no relation to alligators you very much hampalong, Anders, Cacret, Biller, Slug and can 10. Caught significantly larger ) can live as long as humans, making it difficult for scientists conduct... The head and numerous large teeth a park in Metairie weigh up to than! M ) and over 100 lb ( 45 kg ) bears no relation to alligators years! And Cuba gar you have will also have a very long time and get larger! Gar and the spotted gar fish that resembles an alligator it should be mouth and two of... Your tank is big enogh for the needle nose hars amazingly successful body and... ( 45 kg ) name, the gar family, and one each to Central America, one... Humans, making it difficult for scientists to conduct long-term studies on.... Resembles an alligator fish once occurred in the Mississippi River at least 6 and exceed. Enormous, dead alligator gar were thought of as “ trash fish by! Only have a handful of successful spawns in her lifetime conduct long-term studies on.!