Florida Gar

Lepisosteus platyrhincus 

Habitat & Distribution :  Southeastern US rivers & canals

Diet: Fish, small crustaceans, frogs 

Size : 50-120 cm 

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Description

These prehistoric-looking fish are characterized by a short, broad snout, olive-brown coloring with dark, irregular spots across its entire body, head, and fins

Behavior

These fish tend to live in groups of 2 to 10 or more. They burrow into swamp sediment and thrive during the dry season. Being virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs, they are extremely specialized to their environment. 

Reproduction

Florida gar spawn annually from February to April in shallow, weedy waters, where females release adhesive, green eggs that cling to vegetation and are fertilized by multiple males. 

Predator(s)

Alligators, Cranes