Atractosteus tropicus, also known as the Tropical gar, is a freshwater fish species native to Central America, particularly Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It is a long and slender fish, with a cylindrical body covered in diamond-shaped scales that provide protection against predators.

The Tropical gar is an ambush predator, and is known for its sharp teeth and powerful jaw which it uses to catch prey such as fish, crustaceans, and small mammals. It is also an air-breathing fish, and can gulp air from the surface of the water using a specialized organ called a swim bladder, which functions as a lung.

In the aquarium hobby, the Tropical gar is a rare and highly sought-after species due to its unique appearance and interesting behavior. However, it is not recommended for beginner aquarists as it requires a large aquarium with plenty of space to swim, and can grow up to 1.5 meters in length.