Alligator Gar

The one on the left is an alligator gar.  It is sometimes called a gator gar.  It is a big fish that looks a little like an alligator.  It has a long snout and big teeth just like an alligator.  I like its scientific name, Atractosteus spatula, because its nose is flat like a spatula.  It has diamond-shaped scales that some people like to use for jewelry.  It is found in southern states, like Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Florida, and Georgia, as well as in Mexico.  Sometimes in the South you might find alligator gar on the menu in a restaurant.  The alligator gar is a carnivore that eats other fish.

I saw these fish at SeaWorld.  I’m not sure what the other big fish in the picture is, but I think it is a longnose gar.  If you think you know what it is, please let me know in the comments.