The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is a large, ancient freshwater fish native to Central America, recognized for its elongated, armored body and distinctive long snout filled with sharp teeth. Unlike its North American relatives, the tropical gar thrives in warm, slow-moving rivers, lakes, and floodplains from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Among these, Mexico—particularly the states of Tabasco and Chiapas—stands out as the top country for tropical gar fishing, both for local consumption and as a traditional food source, where it is known as "pejelagarto." The fishing industry for tropical gar is mostly small-scale and artisanal, with local communities using nets, lines, and sometimes traditional traps. While not a major export species, the tropical gar holds significant cultural and economic value in these regions, especially in Mexico, where it features prominently in regional cuisine and festivals.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicaragua | 9 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.