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What Type of Fish Do Alligators Eat?

Alligators eat fish, but that's not all. They are very opportunistic carnivores, meaning they'll eat almost any type of animal or fish they can catch. Even though alligators are strong hunters, they typically don't consume large quantities of food. This is because they are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, creatures. In fact, a large dog could eat more in a year than an 800-pound alligator. The type of prey an alligator consumes can depend on where it lives.

Diet
- As a carnivore, or animal that eats only meat, an alligator takes advantage of a wide variety of prey. Adults will eat any type of fish that they come across, as well as birds, mammals, turtles and even other alligators. Young alligators also eat crustaceans, snails, frogs and insects. The size of the alligator can impact the type of prey it can handle; small to medium alligators have been known to consume dogs and cats, while large alligators have occasionally killed cows, horses and goats.
Hunting
- Alligators do not have good eyesight, although they do have a special membrane that covers their eyes and allows them to see underwater. To hunt successfully, alligators generally rely on their other senses. They are especially sensitive to vibrations in water, which means they can recognize when fish are near. Alligators also have fairly good hearing, both on land and in water. When hunting, alligators remain perfectly still, until they detect that a prey animal is close. They then quickly catch the animal in their large jaws, crushing it and swallowing it whole.
Habitat
- Alligators can be found on the Gulf Coast as well as the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Florida. States where alligators are common include Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina. According to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory at the University of Georgia, alligators do not travel beyond the coastal plain. The type of prey that an alligator finds in its particular environment will vary. For example, alligators that inhabit Florida consume all types of fish and turtles, whereas alligators in Louisiana coastal marshes mostly feed on nutria, a semiaquatic rodent.
Hibernation
- Because alligators are cold-blooded, they rely on the air temperature around them to regulate their body temperature. When temperatures drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, alligators stop feeding. During the cooler months, they create dens where they may hibernate until it becomes warm enough for them to feed again. They survive this time by living off their energy stores. Even while hibernating, alligators can become active for short periods if the temperature rises enough.

Animals & Science