Alligator Gar

Q: What is the scientific name for alligator gar?

Alligator Gar is Atractosteus spatula.

The record

Alligator Gar at a glance

Scientific name: Atractosteus spatula
Typical size: 48-96 inches, 50-200 lbs
State record: 123 lbs 9 oz
Water: Freshwater
Habitat: Freshwater
Rarity in the Fishdex™: Rare

Where it lives

Habitat

Alligator gar inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, and bayous throughout the southeastern United States. Anglers typically target them with heavy tackle using cut bait, live fish, or artificial lures in deep pools and slow-moving waters. They are ambush predators that often lurk near structure or in shallow areas during spawning season.

Catch one and it is yours

Log a alligator gar through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.

How the Fishdex™ works

Questions

Alligator Gar questions people ask

What is the scientific name for alligator gar?

Alligator Gar is Atractosteus spatula.

How big does an alligator gar get?

A typical alligator gar runs 48-96 inches, 50-200 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every alligator gar you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.

Where do alligator gar live?

Alligator gar inhabit large rivers, reservoirs, and bayous throughout the southeastern United States. Anglers typically target them with heavy tackle using cut bait, live fish, or artificial lures in deep pools and slow-moving waters. They are ambush predators that often lurk near structure or in shallow areas during spawning season. It is a fresh water species, filed under freshwater in the Fishdex.

Is alligator gar in the Cobia Fishdex?

Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.

Freshwater