Alligator gar, or Atractosteus spatula, is a species of fish with fossils tracing its existence to the early Cretaceous Period. These torpedo-shaped fish have not changed many of the morphological traits of their ancestors. Unlike many other fishes, it can breathe air, which allows them to populate areas dangerously low in oxygen for other water-breathers. Its scales form incredibly tough layers that are nearly impenetrable; when under attack, these scales defend well against any aggressors. Similar to the unrelated nautilus, alligator gars live long and mature late, and after which, they spawn an obscene amount of eggs depending on the size of the female. While they appear passive and sluggish, these little demons are actually voracious beasts when it comes to food, just like the animal they were named after. Gars are primarily piscivorous night predators, sometimes eating water fowls and small mammals at the surface. They lie in wait below the surface and wait for prey to come within reach, and then they lunge forward and grab their prey in a sweeping motion before impaling the poor sap with its teeth.