Alligator gars typically have from 57 to 62 lateral line scales and 23 diagonal scale rows between the anal fin origin and the dorsal midline. Adult gars always have two rows of teeth in the upper jaw, compared to one row in all other gar species. Younger individuals may have only one row. The back and sides of this species are green to gray, and the venter is white. The vertical fins are tan with varying numbers of round black spots. Adult size: 5.9 to 9.8 feet.