AN AUTHENTIC LIVING FOSSIL

Finding a living fossil is not common, the alligator gar (as it is known) is a very interesting type of fish, it is unique in its kind and the largest of all living in rivers and lakes. They are able to adapt easily to a variety of environments.

In the Copper River in Veraguas, Panama, has been captured an impressive animal which according to its appearance gives the impression of being a link in the evolutionary chain of species, this animal, that looks like a fish and a lizard has been identified as Peje-fish-lizard or crocodile and it’s the first time that appears in Panama, surprising the population, because is Central America, USA and Canada, the real territory of this species.

Fossils have been found in Africa, Europe, South America and South Asia.

The alligator gar is considered a living fossil, because when you see it, you can appreciate an animal which could exist at the time of the dinosaurs.

According to experts, this fish has had virtually no change in 100 million years and fossil records dating from the Lower Cretaceous, that is, 145.5 million years ago. It can measure up to 3 meters long and weigh more than 130 kilograms.

This species is an efficient predator that is able to swim slowly and usually expects to float near the surface, it’s always waiting for its prospective victim.

This type of fish is very common in areas close to Mexico, especially in Tabasco which is perhaps the only place in the world where it is consumed.
Nothing friendly and can be a nightmare for any human being when its habitat is invaded, due to its sharp teeth, it is considered extremely dangerous, however, there are no records of attacks on people.

This fish can survive in inhospitable water, they have a bladder that is filled with supplementary air to feed their gills when oxygen is scarce.
This species has been seen in mainland surprising to people who see it.

It has been difficult to determine the exact age of a gar or alligator gar, however, it believes that with the right conditions in nature, females can live up to 50 years and males 26.