Longnose Gar

Lepisosteus osseus

Gars are an ancient family of bony fishes that were once widespread but are now confined to about seven species in North and Central America. Gars are easily recognized by their elongate shape, very hard, diamond-shaped scales, and extended snouts with sharp teeth. Gars are able to breathe air by swimming at the surface and gulping air into their specialized swim bladders. Longnose Gars can often be seen floating near the water's surface. Their eggs are poisonous to predators.

Look For : A brownish gar. Dorsal and anal fins far back; tail rounded, with slanted base. Juveniles have dark line along each side.

Length : 3-6'.

Habitat : Lakes and slow-moving streams with dense vegetation.

Range : St. Lawrence River drainage; Atlantic Coast from New Jersey to Orlando, Florida; southern Great Lakes and Mississippi River system, south to Rio Grande drainage in Texas.