Jose Chavez, a middle school student, caught an alligator gar or "fishgator" in Kiwanis Lake in Tempe, Arizona, which is far from this carnivorous fish’s normal habitat.
The alligator gar, known as a "fishgator" in some parts of the country, looks like barracuda, complete with very sharp teeth and a devastating bite. But it can grow especially large, up to ten feet long and over 200 pounds It is commonly found in freshwater in the southeastern and gulf states.
Fish and game officials are concerned with the appearance of the alligator gar in suburban Tempe, AZ. They wonder if there are any more of these fishgators and if they have taken up residence in any other water sources besides Kiwanis Lake. Alligator gars are prohibited in Arizona, even as pets, because the pose a hazard to anyone who might handle them
When asked how he caught the fishgator, Jose Chavez said he used a new bait of real chicken liver. It also took bravery from the middle schooler to wrangle in the fish with razor sharp teeth.
Leave Your Comments