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Alligator gar fish

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Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) during the routine de-weeding process caught a non-native alligator garfish in Dal Lake.

About Alligator garfish:

  • It is a close relative of the bowfin species
  • It is known for its crocodile-like head and razor-sharp teeth.
  • It is a ray-finned euryhaline fish and is one of the biggest freshwater fish in North America and the largest species in the ‘gar’ family.
  • This garfish grows rapidly and has a life span of 20-30 years.
  • They can even sustain in the cold waters they mostly live in is 11-23 degrees Celsius.
  • Geographical distribution: Normally found in northern and central America and also in Mexico.
  • Threats: It is a predator fish and a carnivore; it can eat all types of fish and therefore poses a threat to native species and the overall ecosystem.

Key facts about Dal Lake

  • It is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains.
  • The lake is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq. mi), including its floating gardens. 
  • The floating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August.
  • The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered an independent lake).
  • Islands:
    • Dal Lake includes 3 islands, 2 of which are marked with beautiful Chinar trees.
    • The island located on the Lakut Dal is known as Roph Lank(Silver Island) and is marked by the presence of majestic Chinar trees at the four corners, thus known as Char-Chinari (Four Chinars).
    • The second Chinar Island, known as Sone Lank (Gold Island), is located on the Bod Dal (Big Dal) and overlooks the holy shrine of Hazratbal.
  • Dal Lake is also popular for the floating market (known as Raad) where vendors have their own Shikaras and approach tourists.