This rare fish is now available only through captive breeding. The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is a species of fish from Central America, where it is found in the Pacific and Atlantic drainages from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. They can reach up to 4 feet in length in the wild. In captivity can reach 3 feet. The Tropical gar lives in the demersal, freshwater environment.

Tropical gars are often found in the warm stagnant waters of lowland areas. They are sometimes visible on the surface of the water and resemble floating logs. Tropical gars are found in natural wetlands in South America.