Science Name: | Lepisosteus platostomus |
Other Names: | Billy gar, short-billed gar, stub-nose gar |
Where to Find
Shortnose gar are present in the Mississippi River drainage from the Gulf Coast
as far north as Montana in the west, and the Ohio River in the east. In Texas
Shortnose gar may be found in the Red River basin below Lake Texoma.
Habitat
Shortnose gar are more tolerant of high turbidity than other gar species.
Shortnose gar inhabit large rivers and their backwaters, as well as oxbow lakes
and large pools.
Feeding Habits
The fry remain in the yolk-sac phase for another week, at which time they begin
to feed on insect larvae and small crustaceans. At little over an inch in
length, fish appear in the diet.