The spotted gar has a moderately long snout and bony plates on underside of its throat. The gar is more common in the southern waters like the Mississippi River basin from southern Minnesota to Alabama an… There are about 3,000 documented species! In fact, they spend most of their time hiding in underwater vegetation and fallen branches. Identification: Suttkus (1963); Becker (1983); Page and Burr (1991); Etnier and Starnes (1993). There are many creatures in the animal kingdom that have different mating partners throughout their lives. A young gar will eat minnows, while adults prey on larger fish, especially shad. Spotted Gar have olive-colored, dart-shaped bodies with thick, bony scales that are covered in numerous dark … Their dorsal and anal fin sit just before their tail fin. However, it is not exactly clear how long they tend to live in the wild. Its smaller size, low price, and more docile temperament make it the easiest gar to keep. They can exceed 200 pounds and grow to more than 6 feet long. An adult Florida gar preys upon shrimp, crayfish, and smaller fish. Unrestricted tackle is anything other than rod and reel. Although edible, they are not popular … They are usually 2 to 3 feet long but can be as long as 59 inches (just under 5 feet). After a few days, the larvae hatch from the eggs and then remain attached to the vegetation with a small adhesive organ at the end of the snout. It still retains many “primitive” physical characteristics, including a swim bladder that doubles as a lung, which allows it to breathe air in low oxygen environments. In Florida gars, the distance is less than two-thirds of the length of the snout; in spotted gars, the distance is more than two-thirds of the length of the snout. The Florida gar travels in groups of between two and 10 fish at a time. The typical adult measures about 13 to 34 inches in size, but the largest size ever recorded was 52 inches and 10 pounds. In the spotted gar, this distance is greater than two-thirds the snout length, while this distance in the Florida gar is less than two-thirds. Cormorant bird with Alligator Gar Fish. These fish have very limited popularity in recreational fishing circles, perhaps because it’s not quite as common and harder to catch compared to most recreational game fish. They are about the same length and have spots on their head, body, and fins. There are four species of gar fish that inhabit Florida’s waters; the Alligator Gar, the Florida Gar, the Spotted Gar and the Longnose Gar. But for the people who know about it, the Florida gar is one of the unique aquatic treasures of the Florida peninsula. Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov. If choosing to raise a Cuban gar, it should be noted that they’re extremely hearty fish and can live for decades if properly maintained. Females are generally larger than males, probably due to their reproductive investment. … Consequently, many fishermen consider spotted gar pests because they compete with other fish for the bait. The larva mostly feeds upon tiny plankton and insect larvae. Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) Fish Description. Spotted gar are eaten by larger fish, alligators, herons, and cottonmouth snakes. The main difference is the length of the head. Florida Spotted Gar (9-15'') Lepisosteus platyrhincus-----Some states require special permits for this fish-----Please check with your state laws regarding which fish are legal to keep before purchasing. The FWC may issue these permits for scientific research and management efforts. Species Status Native; View All Species; Appearance. It is one of 7 species of gar. These fish spawn between the months of February and June. Spotted gar are very widespread, and can be found from central Texas east into western Florida. #10 Animals That Mate for Life: Macaroni Penguin […] Read More. Family … The spotted gar can be found in calm pools located in freshwater rivers, ponds, and creeks. Spotted Gar vs. Florida Gar. Another similar species, and the only other gar found in Florida, is the longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus). Its sides are lighter and the fins are heavily blotched and spotted. It then thrashes the head from side to side before swallowing the prey. Of course, a person would have to eat alligator to understand the comparison! There are a variety of recipes including stew, fish cakes, or stir fry just to name a few. They are known for ambushing their prey. The Florida gar is more likely to appear in the actual Florida peninsula, where it overlaps with the longnose gar. Spotted gar is attracted to minnows, sunfish, and blue crabs as bait. Tank Size . They use their teeth to eat crayfish and other prey. It slowly stalks the prey and then lunges out with a quick strike of its snout. This means … Collections of gar, forage fish, plankton, periphyton, bottom … It is one of seven species of gar in the entire Lepisosteidae family. Habitat. After about two to four years, they are ready to begin breeding on their own. The young can have spotted … Their dorsal and anal fins sit far back on the body, near the tail. This is overlaid with irregular black spots on the head, body, and fins. Common name: Spotted Gar. There are currently few regulations in the state of Florida for the size and number of the catch. The Florida gar is sometimes preyed upon by eagles, ospreys, herons, and alligators. As a pet it’s equivalent to buying a prehistoric beast. When it comes to food, these fish eats a lot of crayfish! If the distance is more than two-thirds the length of the … Florida Gar Florida Gar. Florida Gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus. 6.5 - 7.5 Temp. They have long bodies, long snouts, and unique fin placement. These fish are one of the top predators in their native habitat, eclipsed only by the most capable apex predators. Diet / Feeding. The record for the largest spotted gar is 43 inches long weighing 15 pounds. Oftentimes, they are caught while recreational fishermen are trying to catch other types of fish.