Guatemala releases hundreds of baby tropical gars to protect vulnerable species

Guatemala is taking steps to ensure the survival of a vulnerable “fossil” fish, as officials released hundreds of juvenile tropical gars into their natural habitat.

The release took place in a freshwater canal surrounded by mangroves in southern Guatemala, where the torpedo‑shaped fish with an alligator‑like snout—known locally as the “fossil fish”—were set free into the wild. The release of the baby tropical gars in the mangrove‑bordered canal marks a step toward protecting the vulnerable species.