The Florida Gar (Lepisosteus (Lepisosteus Platyrhincus)
Unique features: The Florida gar can usually grow to about three feet. They can be found in many color patterns. They are sometimes confused with spotted gars.
Binomial Name: The Florida Gar’s binomial name is Lepisosteus Platyrhincus.
Feeding Habits: They feed on many baits such as zooplankton, many smaller fish, and certain birds.
Spawning: Florida gars spawn mostly during April and May, but may continue into October. Nests are not built. Instead the females spawn by distributing her adhesive eggs in shallow pools, weedy backwaters, or shallow riffles. The eggs are greenish-colored and are fertilized by two or more attending male Florida Gars.
Hunting Strategies: The Florida gar floats silently near the surface of the water, disguised as a stick or log. When it comes upon a fish, it propels itself slowly forward with a flick of its fins. Once into position the gar snaps its head sideways and holds the target with its sharp, pointy teeth. Then it slowly repositions the target so that it can be swallowed in head first position.
Location: Florida gars are found in medium-large lowland streams, canals and lakes with muddy or sandy bottoms near underwater vegetation in Florida, USA. They are also found in poorly oxygenated locations freshwater bodies.
Fun Fact: They are usually found at the surface of the body of water breathing air. If they do not do this constantly enough, it will probably suffocate.