The Mighty Alligator Gar.

[KenyanSandBoa]

My brother was at my apartment this weekend and he was checking out my tanks and he showed particular interest in my spotted gar. He's not into fish, but was curious about exactly what gars were and how they were an ancient fish. I was explaining to him how they basically swam with the dinosaurs and we are looking at a living fossil. He was asking how big they get and what the biggest gar was and I was telling him about the alligator gars. So naturally his question to me was "why did you get the smaller spotted gar...why not get the alligator gar?". I Googled a few pictures for him....then he understood.

I'm sure you have seen a lot of these, but I figured I would share some of my favorites with you guys.

Without further adieu...the mighty Alligator Gar:

 

[Crazy Taco]

now thats a monster fish!

 

[KenyanSandBoa]

No kidding. I would love to see one that size in person. The New England Aquarium has one but it is no where near that size. That would be an impressive sight.

 

[adamstv]

the bottom pic is photoshoped but they still get close to that size!

 

[demjor19]

what aquarium is that top photo?
its too bad they are dead in 90 percent of photos seen.

 

[Miguel]

awesome beast!

 

[KenyanSandBoa]

what aquarium is that top photo?
its too bad they are dead in 90 percent of photos seen.

I was thinking the same thing when I was looking for pics...why aren't there any live specimens.

That photo is from the Belle Isle Aquarium: http://www.belleisleaquarium.com/

 

[demjor19]

wow! i just may have to take a trip to MI!!!

 

[E_americanus]

unfortunately, as richard can tell you, that gar is no longer at the belle isle aquarium. the city of detroit folded on the aquarium a couple years back and closed it. the giant gator gar, 'hal', died while in transit to another aquarium. richard used to take care of the fish personally. definitely a beast...and i'm sure he would share more about the fish as well--
--solomon

 

[benzjamin13]

Gars are monsters!