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5 Facts About the Alligator Gar: A "Living Fossil"
Did you know there's a creature in the Southern United States that is virtually unchanged from 100 million years ago? Stalking its prey in the shallows of reservoirs and lakes, it can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and has two rows of long, razor-sharp teeth.
If you think we're describing an alligator, you're only half correct. No, this is the alligator gar, a "living fossil" of sorts that has barely evolved since the Cretaceous Period.
Here are five toothy facts about the alligator gar, North America's prehistoric predator.
Why are they considered a "living fossil?"
A 2024 study by Oxford Academic revealed that the alligator gar has the slowest rate of evolution of all jawed vertebrates. The species remains so unchanged that it is still capable of producing hybrid offspring with the longnose gar!
Their eggs are toxic?
Due to contaminants in their habitat that build up within their flesh and organs, an alligator gar's eggs are toxic and can cause illness if consumed.
They have a special bladder
Alligator gar possess a swim bladder, which allows them to breathe air in brackish pools where oxygen is limited.
Are they related to an alligator?
While they are called alligator gar, this enormous fish has actually existed longer than the alligator!
Their scales were used as weapons
The alligator gar possesses unique scales-called ganoid scales-that act a bit like chainmail. This tough exterior is a defense mechanism against other predators. Their scales are so tough, in fact, that Native Americans once used them as arrowheads.
Bonus: What does their diet consist of?
While alligator gar's diet consists primarily of fish, as ambush hunters they have been known to eat birds and turtles as well.
The lack of evolutionary changes in the alligator gar has led to its unique and prehistoric appearance. Its long snout and rows of needle-sharp teeth certainly look like something from the distant past.
Looking at an alligator gar is like looking into the past. Free from evolutionary changes, this interesting species ranks as one of the most fascinating fish in our waterways today!
Dive Into Adventure
While we might not have these "living fossils" swimming around our aquariums, we do have an unbelivable variety of ocean life that you're not going to want to miss! Make a splash at Ripley's Aquariums today!
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From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet
A living garden on the seafloor?
Have you heard of the spotted garden eel? This fascinating species presents a case in not judging a book by its cover-or an eel by its name.
Contrary to its name, you won’t find these little guys among your petunias and tulips. No, garden eels live on the ocean floor, where they live in burrows. They get their unique name from their behavior of poking their heads out from their burrows, and as they live in large colonies, it gives the impression that plants are sprouting from the ocean floor!
A Crafty Cave-Builder
Garden eels are thinner and smaller than many of the eel species you’re likely familiar with, like the moray eel, but despite their slight size, they are strong and adept builders.
The garden eel uses its powerful tail to dig into the sea floor to create its burrow, and then reinforces it by binding the grains of sand with a slimy mucus. Whenever danger is nearby, the spotted garden eel will retreat to the safety of their burrows tail-first until the coast is clear.
This has led to some creative evolutionary tactics from some of its predators, like the snake eel. The snake eel will build its burrow directly underneath the spotted garden eel and attack it tail-first.
A Homebody on the Ocean Floor
The spotted garden eel is listed as a species of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, and is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Another interesting feature of this species is that it will rarely leave the original burrow that it has built. The exception is during spawning season, where males will move closer to potential mates. Males can become territorial during this time and may also become protective over their mate.
Regardless of its lean build, these creatures can be feisty when it comes to fending off other males! As pelagic spawners, spotted garden eels release fertilized eggs into the current, where they are carried until they float to the surface. Once these eggs have hatched, young garden eels will swim until mature enough to return to the floor and build their own burrow.
There are so many species that can capture our attention and captivate us, and the spotted garden eel is no exception. It is a living example of being more than meets the eye, and when cruising above the ocean floor, the sea plants they seem to be are actually a thriving ecosystem of eels once you take a closer look.
Dive Deeper Into Garden Eels
Swim on over to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and get up close with these incredible eels! Explore amazing exhibits and walk through the underwater tunnel for an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today!
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