During 2019 excavations of the Long Barrack and Church, evidence of the many animals that were used for food sources have been found throughout the occupation of the site. The excavation units have produced these alligator gar scales, which archaeologists have found at many sites located along the river in San Antonio, as other bodies of freshwater throughout the state.
Artifact Spotlight — Alligator Gar Scales
December 5, 2019
The alligator gar is a type of freshwater fish that is characterized by a long body, a long snout, and a rounded dorsal fin. The body is covered with interlocking diamond shaped scales. These fish can grow up to 8 ft in length, and sometimes weight more than 300 pounds. The alligator gar can have a long life span, with the largest specimens could potentially live up to 100 years of not caught.
These scales could represent an alligator gar that was caught and possibly eaten by inhabitants.
