Fin's Fish Guide
The Cuban alligator gar (Atractosteus tristoechus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lepisosteidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The Cuban gar or manjuari is a large gar (Lepisosteidae) endemic to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud. The species has an elongate body armoured with hard, diamond-shaped scales and a long snout with sharp teeth, and can grow to over two metres. It inhabits rivers, lakes and swamps. As an apex predator it hunts other fishes and even waterbirds. Owing to habitat loss and hybridisation it is critically endangered. Beware: the teeth can cause cuts and the roe is poisonous and must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cuban alligator gar?
The Cuban alligator gar has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Armoured, >2 m long endemic gar of Cuba; critically endangered, with poisonous roe.
Where does the Cuban alligator gar live?
The Cuban alligator gar lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud; rivers, lakes and swamps.
How big does the Cuban alligator gar get?
The Cuban alligator gar grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Cuban alligator gar dangerous to humans?
The Cuban alligator gar can cause injury; handle it with care. The long jaws with sharp teeth can cause cuts when handled; grasp a caught animal carefully. Note: the roe (eggs) is poisonous to humans and must not be eaten.
Is the Cuban alligator gar edible?
Yes, the Cuban alligator gar is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Atractosteus
More from the family Lepisosteidae
Want the complete picture on the Cuban alligator gar?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cuban alligator gar is one of 12,519 species in the app.