Florida Gar

	Scientific Name	Lepisosteus platyrhincus
	Other Names	gar, garfish, spotted gar
	World Record	7 lbs. 8

Description

The snout is short and broad compared to that of a Longnose Gar, and even shorter than that of a Spotted Gar. Florida Gars reach approximately 30" in length and have dark spots irregularly placed over their entire body. The distance between the eye and the back of the gill cover is less than 2/3 the length of the snout. This sets them apart from Spotted Gars, where the distance is greater

Habitat

Florida Gar inhabit lakes and slow moving rivers and prefer areas of medium to heavy aquatic vegetation. After breeding, their eggs are deposited on the leaves of submerged vegetation. Because Florida Gar can breath atmospheric air through their modified swim bladder, they can inhabit waters virtually void of dissolved oxygen.

Feeding Habit

Florida Gar are carnivorous and feed almost exclusively on fish. Their long toothy jaws are designed to capture live fish. The teeth are small and needlelike. They are designed to hold prey rather than cut or chew. Once the Gar has captured its prey, it positions it in its jaws and swallows it whole

Age and Growth

Growth is very rapid during the first year. They reach a maximum length of up to four feet. Spawning occurs in the spring in heavily vegetated areas. The adhesive eggs are dispersed in the water, which then attach to aquatic vegetation and hatch within six-to-eight days. Larvae adhere to vegetation after hatching by means of a disk-like organ on the tip of the snout while the fish develops. The organ subsequently is lost as the fish develops into an adult.

Tackle and Methods

They can be caught on a variety of artificial lures; however, dead minnows on a line fished just below the surface are quite effective. Wire leaders prevent the sharp teeth from cutting the line.

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