Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Scientific name: Lepisosteus osseus Linnaeus, 1758

The Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) is a freshwater fish of the family Lepisosteidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 12–20°C (54–68°F). Native range: North and Central America, along the coasts and inland from Quebec to northern Mexico.

Longnose gar care at a glance

Temperature: 12–20°C (54–68°F)

Biology

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

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Lepisosteus osseus
Family: Lepisosteidae (Gars)
Order: Lepisosteiformes (Gars)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 200
Common length: 17.5
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 25.0; dH range: 10 - 15 demersal; depth range 0 - ? m, usually 0 - ? m
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: North and Central America: along the coasts and inland from Quebec to northern Mexico.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Other
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=3-6; tmax=36; Fec=1,110)