Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus)

Scientific name: Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque, 1820

The Shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Lepisosteidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–18°C (50–64°F).

Shortnose gar care at a glance

Temperature: 10–18°C (50–64°F)

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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Lepisosteus platostomus
Family: Lepisosteidae (Gars)
Order: Lepisosteiformes (Gars)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 88.0
Common length: 62.5
Environment: Freshwater; demersal
Climate: Temperate
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.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)