crocodile fish are different in shape from other fish. The alligator gar is a species of gar in the family Lepisosteidae in the genus Lepisosteiformes. Unlike other Lepisosteidae fish, the alligator gar is the biggest and has a row of sharp teeth on its upper jaw. As its name suggests, this fish is very similar in appearance to the alligator.
The scientific name for Crocodile fish is Atractosteus Spatula. This animal is not only recognizable by its arrival but also by its ability to get in and out of the water. In fact, it can stay out of the water for up to two hours. This is a fish that we should know more about, and by reading this post, you will do so.
History of the crocodile fish
Crocodile fish’s origins date back millions of years when they were the prevailing species in the rivers and lakes of Canada, northern Mexico, and the United States. However, in the last three hundred years, both their habitat and their numbers have declined due to humans.
The northern limit for alligator gar is along the mouths of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. However, it can also be found at the mouth of the Mississippi River and in all rivers along the northern Gulf Coast, from the Nueces River to the lower Apalachicola River in Florida.
Characteristics of the crocodile fish
This fish is large, 60 to 200 centimetres extended, weighing up to 40 kilograms. Its colour can vary greatly. Commonly, the body is olive or brown, with a whitish tone on top and black spots on the fins and body.
Young specimens have a peculiar black stripe that runs horizontally across their entire body. However, this mark, so to speak, disappears as the animal grows older. its shape is stylized and elongated, it has two large eyes on its head, and its snout is long like that of a crocodile, with multiple sharp teeth. These fishes have no spines and rare rays. In addition, their caudal fin is heterocercal.
An interesting detail about this Crocodile fish is that its swim bladder is adapted to breathe air. Like many other fish, this species also presents sexual dimorphism, meaning the females are large and round. while the males are small and long. As for its life longing, it is estimated to live from 25 to 50 years. However, this will rely on the animal’s environmental conditions; females generally live longer than males.
Feeding the crocodile fish
As you can probably imagine, the crocodile fish is solely carnivorous. They love to devour other species of fish that are smaller than themselves. Not only that, but when they feel very hungry. They can also eat almost anything.
Crocodile fish love crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. They also eat aquatic birds, small mammals, and turtles. However, if nobody else is within reach and they are very hungry. They may eat any carrion that comes their way.
Due to its size and weight, the crocodile fish looks like a slow hunter. However, it is skilled at attacking its prey with great certainty and speed.
Crocodile fish care
When we have a crocodile fish in captivity, we must take care of it by acquiring an aquarium that is specifically designed so that the animal can carry out its activities and that is by its dimensions so that it can be comfortable. For example, a good size would be one that can hold 600 to 900 litres of water.
The pond should be located in a calm environment with little water current. The temperature must be between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the pH must not exceed 8 or fall below 6.
As mentioned before, you can feed it almost anything. Finally, it is important to know that if you take proper care of the animal, it will rarely get sick, but if you do not, its life cycle will be much shorter.
Reproduction of the crocodile fish
They habitually gather many males in shallow waters that are very close to vegetation. Once there, they arrange themselves one by one to compete for the female. On the other hand, females may be able to fertilize the eggs of different male fish.
When the time comes for the females to lay their eggs, they stick to rocks or plants to grow. The color of the eggs can be red or green, and the mechanism they use to stick to the substrates is actually a survival tactic.
But they have an even more interesting survival mechanism: Their eggs are poisonous in case a predator spots them.
Spawning takes place between February and June. They do not have a fixed place to be born. There must only be weeds and shallow water.
Due to their shape and size, these fish have few wolves in their natural habitat. However, when they are juveniles, they can be vulnerable to American crocodiles, as they love small crocodile fish.