Alligator Gars (spear-like) are primitive fishes and date back to the Cretaceous period; some 65 to 100 million years ago. They are freshwater fishes and found in rivers, swamps and lakes. It grows to a maximum length of 150 cm and weighs 4.4 kg. Gars resemble to alligators and hence the name given. Tail is rounded and skin and fins have dark brown blotches. The optimum water quality requirements are temperature 12-20 0C, pH 6.5-7.5and moderate hardness. It is a voracious predator and feeds on various kinds of fishes and crustaceans. Maturity is attained in 2-3 years in males and 3-4 years in females. Fish lay eggs over leafy vegetation which may be up to 20,000 in numbers. Fry hatch after 10 to 14 days. Young gars have specialized pads on their upper jaws that allow them to adhere to vegetation. They remain attached to plants until they are about 0.75 inches (2cm) long. They may live up to 18 years of age.