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Alligator fish caught in M'sia
The 3kg primitive ray-finned fish known as the alligator gar is a foreign species originating from North America. This is the second fish to be caught in the area and concerns have been raised that the ferocious fish might damage local eco-system. The alligator gar can weigh up to 100 kg when fully grown.-NST
Fisherman catches ferocious fish
BERA, MALAYSIA: The discovery of another alligator gar in Sungai Triang here has raised concern over the effect that the foreign fish species will bring to the river's eco-system.
The 3kg primitive ray-finned fish was found by fisherman Rosli Abu Bakar while checking his fishing net in the river last week.
Rosli, 40, said that he was shocked when he first saw the fish as he thought it was a young crocodile.
"I was lucky that the fish was already weak after being entangled in the net for several hours."
He said another alligator gar, scientifically known as Atractosteus spatula, was found by a villager earlier but died recently.
Since he caught the fish, many people have come to Rosli's house to get a glimpse of the rare species of carnivorous fish which originated from North America.
"It's not good to have a foreign species in our river as it may eat the local aquatic animals," said Rosli, who claimed that the number of fish in the river had dwindled in the past months. He said the alligator gar was a ferocious fish.
"I'm willing to sell it. I don't think I can keep it for long as I was told that it can weigh up to 100kg when fully grown."
Source:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%...123-46330.html....................................
This is how an adult Alligator Gar looks like
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From Wiki:
The alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula, is a primitive ray-finned fish. Its also referred to as the gator gar. Unlike other gars, the mature alligator gar possesses a dual row of large teeth in the upper jaw. It is these remarkably alligator-like teeth which gives it its name. The dorsal surface of the alligator gar is a brown or olive-color, while the ventral surface tends to be a lighter color. Their scales are diamond-shaped and interlocking (ganoid) and were once used by Native Americans for jewelry.
The alligator gar is the largest species of gar and is the largest exclusively freshwater fish in North America. It can be as long as eight to twelve feet and often weighs at least 100 pounds at maturity. The current world record alligator gar weighed 327 pounds and was caught in the Rio Grande River in 1951. Even larger alligator gars — over 300 pounds — have been caught by trotliners.
Read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alligator_gar327 pounds = about 150kg
