NORWALK - — The 12-year-old male albino alligator that has taken up residence in an outdoor tank at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk for the summer has it all: The best quality North Atlantic herring, caring keepers and a crowd of adoring fans who think he's the best thing since sliced bread.

But he has no name. The big sign simply reads: "The Great White Alligator."

"We may have a contest later on in the summer to give him a name," said Chris Loynd, spokesman for the aquarium, during a visit at feeding time Monday.

According to Loynd, the alligator was born in the wild. It is one of 44 albinos known to exist in a known population of roughly 5 million of the reptiles. He was hatched in Cutoff, La., and raised in St. Augustine,

Fla. and is considered quite rare because albino alligators have little chance of survival in the wild.

They lack the camouflage coloring that would normally allow them to sneak up on their prey. Also, this lack of camouflage means they are more susceptible to being preyed upon when they are young. Their white skin also makes them susceptible to sunburn so his tank has a covering overhead.

However, once they reach adulthood, few if any animals can challenge them.

They are ambush feeders, capable of being perfectly still until the moment they strike, with a ferocious snapping attack.

It's what makes it worthwhile for visitors like Amy King of Norwalk to pay to see.

"I think he's beautiful," said King, who watched the gator

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eating a meal of herring.

The white gator will be at the aquarium through Labor Day. The aquarium is open each day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The aquarium is open until 6 p.m. each evening during the months of July and August. Admission for adults is $11.

Tony Spinelli, who covers the region for ConnPost.com, can be reached at 330-6361.