Where Does Alligator Gar Live?

Alligator Gar lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Alligator Gar

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, often near submerged vegetation or structure. Can tolerate a wide range of depths.

Environment

Large, slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, bayous, swamps, and estuaries. Prefers warm, sluggish, and often turbid waters. Can tolerate brackish water and low oxygen conditions due to its ability to breathe air.

Geographic range

Historically found throughout the lower Mississippi River Basin and Gulf Coast states of the United States, from the Florida Panhandle west to Texas and south into Mexico. Current distribution is somewhat reduced but still widespread within this range.

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