shortnose-gar
Species Facts

Science Name: Lepisosteus platostomus
Other Names: Billy gar, short-billed gar, stub-nose gar
Description

Lepisosteus is Greek, meaning "bony scale," and platostomus is also Greek, meaning "broad mouth." Shortnose gar may be distinguished from other Texas species in that they lack the double row of teeth in the upper jaw of the alligator gar, the long snout of the Longnose gar, and the spots of the spotted 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.

Tips for Fishing

As with alligator gar, Shortnose gar may be captured by entangling the teeth in nylon threads, or by bowfishing. Shortnose gar up to five pounds have been brought in by anglers.