The spotted gar is among the seven species of gar. This freshwater fish is native to North America.
Fun Facts About The Spotted Gar:
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The scientific name of the spotted gar is Lepisosteus oculatus.
- It is the smallest of the gar species.
- Their lifespan is 216 months.
- They are carnivores in nature.
- Adult spotted gar weigh about 10 pounds.
- Spotted gars have a long, cylinder-shaped body, which is easily mistaken for a log in the water. Since its watery habitat includes submerged logs, clumps of brush, and fallen branches, its body makes it easy to camouflage.
- You won't find a school of spotted gar; these fish like to be solo.
- This fish plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by eating mosquito larvae, helping control the mosquito population.
- The gestation period of the spotted gar is between 10 and 14 days. This fish is most vulnerable after hatching.
- They are carnivores, eating mosquito larvae, small blue crabs, minnows, and other small animals fishermen use as bait. As a result, fishermen consider this fish a pest as it competes with other fish for the bait.
- While they can be eaten, they are now considered cancerous due to the high levels of mercury they carry.
- Main prey: Minnows, blue crabs, mosquito larvae, and other fish.
- Predators: Other types of gars
These are beautiful fascinating fish. Appreciate that they eat mosquito larvae. 10 pounders & live long,15+ yrs.!