Most of us living in Polk County realize that the ground we walk on was also shared by historical Texas figures like Moses Livingston Choate and Stephen F. Austin. But did you know in the many miles of the county’s waterways lurks a living fossil – the Alligator Gar?
The Alligator Gar, as well as other members of the family Lepisosteidae, are regarded as “prehistoric” fish whose fossil records trace their roots to the Early Cretaceous more than a hundred million years ago. Their body “design” created a survivor fish which could flourish in harsh environments.
What makes these fish so ancient – and so successful? Their body components help them endure.
In addition to a set of gills, the gar has a specialized swim bladder so that it can breathe both air and water. It can live in water with low oxygen levels that would kill other fish.
They have retained some of the morphological characteristics of their early ancestors like the spiral valve intestine similar to that in sharks (another prehistoric fish).
They have two rows of sharp teeth on the upper and lower jaws which allow them to catch and hold prey.
The body is armored by impermeable interlocking inflexible diamond shaped scales with serrated edges made of a tough inner bone layer and an outer layer of ganoin.
Their roe is toxic to humans.
So, when you’re fishing in the rivers and lakes on one of those steamy days when the fog moves in, be prepared to battle a monster because dinosaurs are among us.
