On the planet there are numerous species that are endemic. This means that they only exist in a specific type of ecosystem. They cannot be found anywhere else except in a specific area. One of the best known endemic species in the world is the lizard peje. They are also known by the common names of catanes or manjuaríes and are carnivorous freshwater fish. These animals belong to the Lepisosteiformes family that comprise 2 genera and 7 different species.
In this article we are going to tell you about all the characteristics, habitat, feeding and reproduction of the alligator.
Key features
This type of animal has an appearance with an elongated and cylindrical body. We are and it looks like a tube. Their skin is covered by diamond-shaped scales that serve a primary protective function. It's like it's his own armor that protects him from predator attacks. It also has a muzzle that is disproportionately large in relation to the rest of the body. This snout is one of the elements that make the lizard a dangerous animal.
It has a very fierce and territorial behavior that makes it defend its area very well. Some of them can become very large, reaching up to 3 meters in length. They usually weigh around 100 kilos, although some specimens weigh up to 130 kilos. It is a very ferocious predator and for this it has a very strong and resistant jaw.
In order to capture their prey, they have sharp and pointed teeth that serve to tear their victims to pieces. These characteristics that are most well known of this endemic species is that it is a fish that, although they usually swim at a slow speed, can develop incredible speed when attacking their prey. It is thought that one of the reasons why the lizard peje has not become extinct is because of its extreme capacities to adapt and survive. And is that these animals are capable of developing in inhospitable waters that are often dangerous, uncomfortable and unpleasant for the rest of the species.
Of the pejelagarto we find some different species. The most abundant and known waters of Mexico is the Atractosteus tropicus. It is one of the most precious species and fished by Mexicans, since great exotic dishes can be prepared with this ingredient.
Range and habitat of the alligator peje
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is an endemic species. This makes it only live in specific places. In this case, the alligator lizard inhabits the eastern waters of North America and Central America: specifically between Montana, southern Quebec, and Costa Rica. Their natural habitat used to be more widespread, although due to humans and the transformation of the surrounding ecosystem, individuals cannot adapt in time. There is some fossil evidence that these animals have been found in different corners of Africa, Europe, South America and South Asia. However, it is currently only found in one place.
As for its natural habitat, we see that it usually inhabits very calm waters. These are waters in which the currents are very slow and usually swim at ground level. It usually lives in swampy and lake areas. Being a fish with a fairly calm behavior, it tends to remain immobile to save energy. It is carried away by the current to move from one place to another and wait for a prey to cross it to be able to feed.
The great adaptability of this animal to adverse environments comes from a great tolerance to very high temperatures. Therefore, we can see the alligator in open surfaces that are special for swimming.
Feeding and reproduction
The diet of this animal is based on other fish and some crustaceans. They are capable of feeding on both living and dead animals. All this will depend on the amount of food that can be found in the ecosystem where it is found. If the food is homemade, it will resort to carrion. You can also eat squid or shrimp and their remains. One of the great virtues of the alligator is its long jaw. As we have mentioned before, this jaw era makes it quite a predator with a fast and silent hunt. These are the biggest advantages over their prey.
Being a very voracious animal, it feeds on everything that can fit in its mouth. It can catch the movement of small birds with a fairly quick reaction.
As for its reproduction, it will only be in fresh waters and populated with algae and weeds. The breeding season takes place between the months that go from April to June. When the breeding season begins, the female is the one that can release up to 8000 eggs. These eggs hatch and the young are out in the open in just seven days. The life expectancy of the alligator is between 25 and 40 years, which is why it is considered a fairly long-lived animal.
Is the alligator lizard endangered?
Being an endemic species and being the goal of humans to prepare dishes, it is normal to think that this animal may be in danger of extinction. However, at present, the lizard peje is not in danger of extinction since the 7 endemic species abound in each of the territories where it is found. It is a very valuable fish for all anglers and, due to its incredible hardness and resistance, it offers quite interesting fishing.
It is also an edible fish, although very few people eat it. This is because it contains many thorns and makes it quite difficult to chew and swallow. Eggs are toxic so they are not edible for humans. All these reasons are what make this animal not in danger of extinction.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the lizard and its characteristics.