Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) fish species and information / pictures of Shortnose gar - Lepisosteus platostomus

Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepisosteus platostomus

Common Name
Shortnose gar

Biology
Inhabit quiet pools and backwaters of creeks and small to large rivers, swamps, lakes and overflow areas of large streams. Often occur near vegetation and submerged logs. Feed on other fishes and insects. Spawning occurs over vegetation or other submerged objects (Ref. 10294).

Classification

Classified By

Rafinesque, 1820

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Gars (Lepisosteiformes)

Family

Gars (Lepisosteidae)

Distribution

Region

North America

Distribution

North America: USA in Mississippi River basin from south central Ohio, north Indiana, and Wisconsin to Montana and south to north Alabama and Louisiana; Lake Michigan drainage, Wisconsin ; Calcasieu and Mermentau rivers on Louisiana Gulf Coast.

Range

46°N - 31°N

Environment

Climate

Temperate

Water Temperature From

10 °C

Water Temperature To

18 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; demersal

Trophic Level

3.88 s.e. 0.66 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

88.0 cm

Common Length

62.5 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

Gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

High vulnerability (60 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated