[5] It is found in rivers and lakes of western Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud.

[7] The Cuban gar, along with other species of gar, is also notable for its high tolerance of high ammonia and nitrate levels in water,[11] its ability to breathe some atmospheric air in absence of sufficiently oxygenated water,[12] and its disease resistance.

Once separation occurs between the stomach and intestines—increased organ size and complexity, and completely exotrophic behavior has arisen—the larvae are considered "free swimming".

As an animal with a high trophic level, the gar has lost much of its population due to overfishing and habitat loss.

Attempts to restore natural fish populations using them in aquaculture are currently in progress,[15] but these ideas have yet to reach implementation.