Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) fish species and information / pictures of Longnose gar - Lepisosteus osseus

Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepisosteus osseus

Common Name
Longnose gar

Biology
Adults occur in sluggish pools, backwaters and oxbows of medium to large rivers, and lakes (Ref. 10294). Usually found near vegetation. Occasionally found in brackish waters. Spawning occur in freshwater and possibly slightly brackish water (Ref. 4639). Migrate up rivers during the spawning season (Ref. 4639). Eggs and larvae are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 4639). Voracious predator, feeding on various fishes and crustaceans. The roe is poisonous.

Classification

Classified By

Linnaeus, 1758

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Gars (Lepisosteiformes)

Family

Gars (Lepisosteidae)

Distribution

Region

North and Central America

Distribution

North and Central America: along the coasts and inland from Quebec to northern Mexico.

Range

47°N - 24°N, 97°W - 69°W

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

12 °C

Water Temperature To

20 °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 7.0 - 25.0; dH range: 10 - 15 demersal; depth range 0 - ? m (Ref. 55225), usually 0 - ? m (Ref. 55225)

Trophic Level

4.19 s.e. 0.73 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

200 cm

Common Length

17.5 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5781 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Very high vulnerability (80 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=3-6; tmax=36; Fec=1,110)

Threat To Humans

Other

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated