Gar
Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
FreshwaterLepisosteidaeLeast Concern
About
The Longnose Gar is characterized by its elongated, cylindrical body and a very long, slender snout filled with sharp teeth. They are ambush predators, lying in wait for prey and using their long snouts to quickly snatch fish and crustaceans.
- Average size
- 24-48 inches, 5-20 lbs
- Colors
- Olive-brown to greenish-brown dorsally, fading to a lighter, often silvery or yellowish color on the sides and belly. They may have dark spots on their body and fins.
- Diet
- Primarily fish, but also crustaceans, insects, and occasionally small birds or mammals.
- Region
- Eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast of the United States, and west to the Mississippi River basin.
