What is pejelagarto?

Pejelagarto, also known as the Alligator Gar, is a freshwater fish species native to North America, particularly in the Mississippi River basin. It is a large predatory fish that can live up to 50 years, grow up to 3 meters in length, and weigh up to 140 kg. Pejelagarto feed on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures and are known for their sharp teeth and armored scales.

In recent years, pejelagarto has become an important species for aquaculture due to its high demand for food and its potential to control invasive species such as the Asian Carp. In some parts of Mexico, pejelagarto is also considered a delicacy and is used in traditional dishes such as soup, ceviche, and tacos.

However, the population of pejelagarto has been declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and dam constructions. As a result, conservation efforts have been initiated to protect and conserve this species.