Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus)

General data

Main name: Florida gar
Climates: Subtropical
Habitat: Freshwater
Native: North America
Distribution: Savannah river, Caloosahatchee, Everglades (Florida)

Classification

Description

The Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) is a species of gar found in the US from the Savannah River and Ochlockonee River watersheds of Georgia and throughout peninsular Florida. Florida gar can reach a length over 3 ft (91 cm). The young feed on zooplankton and insect larvae, as well as small fish. Adults mainly eat fish, shrimp, and crayfish. Although edible, they are not popular as food. The roe is highly toxic to many animals, including humans and birds. Appearance This is a mid-sized species of gar. It measures from 51.7 to 132.2 cm (20.4 to 52.0 in) long and typically weighs 1.36 to 4.36 kg (3.0 to 9.6 lb).[4] According to the IGFA, the record weight for this species is 10 kg (22 lb).[5] This species has irregular round, black spots on the top of its head and over the entire body including the anal fin. The distance of the eyes is less than two-thirds the length of the snout. Also, it has a shorter, broad snout with a single row of irregularly spaced sharp teeth on the upper and lower jaws. No bony scales are on the throat. Their color is olive-brown on the back and upper sides, with a white to yellow belly. The young may have dark stripes on the back and sides. Florida gar swimming in the Everglades Environment They can be found in the Ochlockonee River and waters east and in peninsular Florida in medium to large lowland streams, canals, and lakes with muddy or sandy bottoms near underwater vegetation. They are often found in medium to shallow waters. They use an air bladder to breathe air which helps them survive in poorly oxygenated water. They sometimes will hide in weeds in 4-10 feet. Usually when you find them here, they will have their head in the weeds and will only show a small portion of the body. Some times they will be hiding on the edge of weeds. Here they will be about 6-10 inches below the surface. Usually the bottom will be 10 feet or more.

Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus)

General data

Classification

Description

Taxonomy of Fishes