ALLIGATOR GAR 



295 



In about the same waters as the preceding species, and 

 very much like it, lives the Short-Nosed Gar Pike (Lepidos'- 

 teus platys'tomus) . 



The Alligator Gar 1 is a giant in comparison with both 

 the above species, sometimes attaining 6 feet in length. It 



THE LONG-NOSED GAR PIKE. 



is essentially a fish of the South, and inhabits the large streams 

 — and also many small ones — of several Gulf states, Mexico 

 and Cuba. It is readily recognized by its short and broad 

 snout, which is strongly suggestive of the head of an alligator. 

 As an instance of the manner in which fishes sometimes 

 perish through natural causes, and become fossil, Mr. Frederic 



1 Lep-i-dos'te-us spat'u-la. 



