'Besides its massive adult size, it can be distinguished from other gar by two rows of teeth in the upper jaw versus one, and a head that when measured length versus width, is broader than most other gar.'

Robins, collection manager in the Division of Ichthyology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, when we talked to him in 2019.

'The alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula, is the largest of the seven living species of gar,' said Robert H. The prehistoric-looking Atractosteus spatula, for example, otherwise known as the alligator gar, is sometimes referred to as a 'living fossil.' And for good reason: Scientists can trace this unique looking fish back 100 million years. But in the grand scheme of things, our legacy is laughably short compared to those of other species.

Jason Goh/PixabayĪs humans, we like to think we run the show here on planet Earth. The signature facial structure of the alligator gar includes a short, wide, shovel-shaped bill that makes it stand out even amongst its fellow gar.

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