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Scientific Name
Lepisosteus oculatus
Other Names
Bill fish, Garfish, and Shortnose gar
Description
Spotted gar have elongated bodies with a long, broad snout and spots on the head, fins, and body. This gar is a whitish color underneath and olive green on the sides and the back. Spotted gar normally weigh between 1 and 5 pounds, but can reach weights of 20 pounds. Spotted gar can reach lengths of over 3 feet. The spotted gar can live up to 18 years.
Habits and Habitat
Adults feed on insect larvae and small crustaceans, but mostly fish. Spotted gar feed in shallow water at night while staying in deeper water during the day. Spotted gar prefer slow, clear waters of rivers and lakes and will spawn in shallow water with heavy vegetation and little water flow. Spawning season lasts from April to May.
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record for the spotted gar is 8.1 pounds, caught by Chuck Herring at the Enid Lake spillway in 2012.
Fishing Fact
Spotted gar may be captured by entangling the teeth in nylon threads or by bowfishing. They are rarely fished for intentionally, but are caught accidentally on baits and lures intended for other fish.