Longnose GarLepisosteus osseusWhere and when to see them

The longnose gar is a large freshwater predator native to eastern and central North America, including the Mississippi River basin. Its exceptionally slender jaws and armor-like scales give it a distinctive appearance. It belongs to an ancient lineage of ray-finned fishes, although the living species should not be confused with its prehistoric relatives. An air-breathing swim bladder helps it survive in warm, oxygen-poor water. Despite its formidable teeth, it is not generally a threat to people who leave it undisturbed.

Size

Usually 60–120 cm (24–47 in) long; exceptionally reaches about 2 m (6.6 ft).

Weight

Varies considerably with length; exceptionally large individuals can exceed 20 kg (44 lb).

Lifespan

Can live more than 20 years; females generally live longer than males.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Longnose gar often hover nearly motionless near the surface or move slowly through sheltered water. They hunt by approaching prey quietly and capturing it with a rapid sideways movement of the jaws. Captured fish are usually repositioned and swallowed headfirst. Gar periodically surface to gulp air, supplementing oxygen taken up through their gills. They may gather in favorable habitats, although these groups are not necessarily coordinated schools. Spawning takes place in spring or early summer as water warms, with several males often accompanying a female into shallow water. Adhesive eggs attach to vegetation or other submerged material, and adults provide no parental care.

• Its swim bladder can function as an air-breathing organ.
• Its diamond-shaped scales have a hard outer layer called ganoine.
• Gar eggs are toxic if eaten by humans.
• Females generally grow larger than males.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

Longnose gar inhabit rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and connected wetlands across much of the eastern and central United States and parts of neighboring Canada and Mexico. In the Mississippi River system, they occur in the main river as well as tributaries, backwaters, oxbow lakes, and floodplain waters. They frequently use slow-moving margins, quiet pools, and areas with submerged vegetation or woody cover. Their ability to breathe air allows them to occupy water with low dissolved oxygen, but they still require access to the surface. Although primarily freshwater fish, they also tolerate brackish water in coastal parts of their range.

Adults feed mainly on fish, taking locally abundant prey such as shad, minnows, and sunfish. Their narrow jaws and sharp teeth are well suited to gripping slippery prey. Young gar eat small crustaceans and aquatic insects before increasingly relying on fish as they grow. Feeding opportunities vary with prey availability, water temperature, and habitat conditions.

Common name

Longnose Gar

Scientific name

Lepisosteus osseus

Animal group

Fish

Size

Usually 60–120 cm (24–47 in) long; exceptionally reaches about 2 m (6.6 ft).

Weight

Varies considerably with length; exceptionally large individuals can exceed 20 kg (44 lb).

Lifespan

Can live more than 20 years; females generally live longer than males.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for an elongated, cylindrical body with a very long, narrow snout lined with sharp teeth. The back is typically olive to brown, the underside is pale, and dark spots often mark the body and fins. Hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales form protective armor, while the dorsal and anal fins sit far back near the rounded tail. Compared with other gars in the Mississippi basin, its exceptionally slender snout is the most useful field mark.