Spotted gar

Lepisosteus oculatus

Also known as: shortnose gar

Spotted gar
summerwinter

Description

Spotted gar has an elongated body with a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth. Its body is olive-brown to dark green on top, fading to white or yellow on the belly, with distinct dark spots on the head, body, and fins that distinguish it from other gar species. The body is covered with hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales that form an armor-like covering. The dorsal and anal fins are positioned far back on the body near the rounded caudal (tail) fin. Like all gars, it has a specialized swim bladder that allows it to breathe air, enabling survival in oxygen-poor waters.

Habitat

Mississippi River Basin, Lake Michigan drainage, Lake Erie drainage, Gulf Coast drainages, Nueces River, Texas, Apalachicola River, Florida, Lakes, Ponds, Swamps, Sluggish rivers

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