Atractosteus tristoechus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Cuban gar
Atractosteus tristoechus
photo by Hofinger, E.

Family:  Lepisosteidae (Gars)
Max. size:  200 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  Central America: Western Cuba and Isla de la Juventud.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found in rivers and lakes. Adults feed on other freshwater fishes and even birds. Young are preyed on by introduced Micropterus salmoides. The flesh is edible; but the eggs are poisonous to eat.
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 17 April 2020 (A2ce) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  other


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