It turns out that the creature is an alligator gar, a predatory fish that can live in fresh, brackish, or salt water.
Known as “living fossils,” alligator gars have retained certain morphological characteristics of their earliest ancestors, including a spiral valve intestine and the ability to breathe in both air and water.
The fish is distinguished by its torpedo-shaped body, ganoid scales — nearly impenetrable, bone-like scales — and sets of large, sharp teeth that impale and hold prey.
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