View WAC 220-12-090 Classification - Nonnative aquatic
animal species with photos
Atractosteus spatula (Alligator Gar)
Animal Fish Family: Lepisosteidae Classification: Prohibited
Gar have long cylindrical
bodies, with dorsal and anal fins well back on the body, and long snouts.
The swim bladder of gar acts like a primitive lung, allowing them to breathe
atmospheric air and survive in low oxygen conditions. They are distinguished
from other freshwater species by diamond-shaped interlocking (ganoid) scales.
The alligator gar, the largest species, has a broad snout and two rows of
teeth on either side of the upper jaw. Alligator gar may weigh as much as
300 pounds. Gar are native to the Mississippi river basin, and feed mostly
on other fish and occasionally crustaceans or waterfowl. The roe of gar are
poisonous to many animals, including humans.
