Little Known Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Cuba

The Cuban gar (Atractosteus tristoechus), locally known as the manjuar, is a rare tropical species belonging to the Lepisosteidae family and found exclusively in Cuba. Favoring freshwater habitats such as rivers and lakes in the island’s western regions—and occasionally brackish waters—it also inhabits the Isla de la Juventud.

During seasonal flooding, these prehistoric-looking fish spawn in river floodplains. While their meat is technically edible, the gar’s reputation as a food source is mixed; many people consider it undesirable, and for good reason—the eggs are highly toxic to both mammals and birds. Caution and cultural beliefs both shape its consumption.