Rare Albino Alligator Gar at National Museum of Marine Science and Technology; Croc-like Snout and Fierce Nature

After two men in Taipei were fined NT$3,600 each for catching and eating an alligator gar from the 228 Peace Memorial Park, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) in Keelung highlighted its rare albino alligator gar. The fish, which looks like it is wearing white armor, has a long snout resembling a crocodile and possesses an astonishing bite force. The museum received the fish about eight years ago; it is now estimated to weigh over 10 kilograms and measure about 1.2 meters in length. Tsai Yu-hung, a research assistant at the museum, described the alligator gar as "very aggressive and fierce." Regardless of size, the species is known for its high level of aggression. Native to North and Central America, alligator gars can live up to 50 years and reach weights of 100 kilograms. They possess strong, sharp teeth and prey on fish, shrimp, and even reptiles like turtles. In the past, they were imported to Taiwan for their ornamental value, but many owners neglected their rapid growth rate. Unable to accommodate fish that can grow up to 2.6 meters, many owners eventually abandoned them, making the species rare in the market today.