Science Name: | Lepisosteus platyrhincus |
Other Names: | gar, garfish, spotted gar |
World Record: | 7 lbs. 8 ounces FL |
Environment: | stream, lake |
Techniques: | medium tackle |
Range: | Florida |
Subspecies - There are no recognized subspecies.
Range - They are found in the Ochlockonee River and waters east and south in peninsular Florida.
Habitat - They inhabit medium-to-large lowland streams, canals and lakes with mud or sand bottoms near underwater vegetation. Like all gars, they use an air bladder to breathe air to survive in poorly oxygenated water.
Spawning Habits - Spawning occurs in late winter and early spring. Groups of fish of both sexes congregate in shallow weedy waters where the females discharge their adhesive eggs among the submerged aquatic plants. The newly hatched young possess an adhesive organ on the end of their snout and stay attached to vegetation until they are about 3/4-inch long.
Feeding Habits - Young fish feed on zooplankton, insect larvae and small fish. Adults primarily feed on fish, shrimp and crayfish.
Age and Growth - Florida gars grow rapidly and can reach a length of 30 inches.
Sporting Qualities - Gars are sporty fighters; however, they are not fished for to a great extent. They can be taken with minnows and artificial lures or during daylight by spearing (although not by speargun) and snagging them with treble hooks. They are popular with bow-fishermen and anglers using frayed nylon cord as a lure snag, which entangles the gars teeth.
Eating Quality - Although edible, they are unpopular as food. The roe is highly toxic to humans, animals and birds.