Elongate fishes with long
snouts
Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus
osseus
Description
To 6' (1.8 m); 50 1/4 lbs (22.8 kg).
Cylindrical; dark olive to brownish above, lighter on sides with
dark spots, usually on posterior, belly whitish. Median fins
yellowish-brown with many dark spots; young with dark middorsal and
midlateral stripe. Snout very long, more than twice as long as rest
of head; teeth large, in 1 row on upper jaw. Caudal fin short,
rounded. Scales thick, diamond-shaped, 60-64 in lateral
line.
Warning
The roe (eggs) of the Longnose Gar is
poisonous.
Habitat
Backwaters, large creeks, lakes, and
reservoirs; may enter brackish water; near aquatic vegetation when
young.
Range
St. Lawrence River drainage; along Atlantic
Coast from south of New Jersey to Orlando, Florida; S. Great Lakes
and Mississippi River system, south to Rio Grande drainage in
Texas.
Discussion
The Longnose Gar is considered a
nuisance by fishers because it feeds on game fishes and damages gill
nets. It may provide sport, but is rarely eaten. In summer, Longnose
Gars can often be observed lying motionless near the surface of
quiet water.
Elongate fishes with long
snouts