Alligator gar in Twin Lakes Scuba Park

[divezonescuba]

i don't know if this is normal at other dive locations in Texas.

Today when I turned from one student to another for a full mask flood, I observed a three foot alligator gar also observing the student. It was actually less than a foot away aligned directly with her right ear. It slowly moved behind her head then drifted off. Fortunately, she did not see it until it had drifted off several feet at the limit of visibility. The other 3 students in the group observed it as well.

After we got out of the water, I asked a senior tamug marine biology student that was diving in a separate group if it was possible that an alligator gar got in the lake and could survive in the fresh water. Apparently, so.

No wonder the bass don't seem to be as prolific as earlier this year.

 

[drrich2]

Alligator gar are freshwater fish. There are a number of species of gar; how sure are you it was an alligator gar? No offense; I wonder how distinctive that specific species is at that size.

As for potential impact on bass populations, that might be more complicated. When my Dad in another state was checking into getting a pond, he found a pond forum at Pond Boss Magazine. I did a little reading, and IIRC an overpopulation of small fish in a pond can stunt the size of some due to competitive pressure. In other words, predators can help raise the size of what you're angling for in some situations. One page I found indicates some hope an alligator gar reintroduction can help fight Asian carp (which are bad news for bass, apparently?), but the odds for much impact aren't good.

Richard.

 

[Altamira]

We live on Canyon Lake in Texas, about 200 miles west of Twin Lakes Scuba Park, and we do have Alligator Gar. The biggest I have seen so far was about 3' also. I believe Lake Travis does as well. I do not think they have had a detrimental impact on our bass population, but imagine it would be a bit startling to see one lurking close by during a dive in our typical 4-5 foot visibility, especially when forgetting they are in the lake, and are expecting to see only bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish.