Stickflingers

South Texas
Stick Flingers

The alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula, is a primitive ray-finned fish. Its also
referred to as the gator gar. Unlike other gars, the mature alligator gar
possesses a dual row of large teeth in the upper jaw. It is these remarkably
alligator-like teeth which gives it its name. The dorsal surface of the alligator
gar is a brown or olive-color, while the ventral surface tends to be a lighter
color. Their scales are diamond-shaped and interlocking (ganoid) and are
sometimes used by Native Americans for jewelry.

Also unlike other gars, the alligator gar is capable of breathing air and can
survive up to two hours above water.

The alligator gar is the largest species of gar and is the largest exclusively
freshwater fish in North America. It can be as long as eight to twelve feet
and often weighs at least 100 pounds at maturity. The current world record
alligator gar weighed 279 pounds and was caught in the Rio Grande River in
1951. Even larger alligator gars — over 300 pounds — have been caught by
trotliners.