Fin's Fish Guide
The Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) is a freshwater fish of the family Lepisosteidae that grows up to 132 cm.
Description
The Florida gar is an ancient freshwater fish of the gar family (Lepisosteidae) from the south-eastern United States. The species grows to about 1.3 metres and has an elongate, cylindrical body armoured with hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales, and a long snout with numerous sharp teeth. It inhabits slow-flowing, mud- or sand-bottomed pools of lowland streams and lakes, often near vegetation. As an ambush predator it lies almost motionless and seizes fishes and crustaceans with a fast sideways snap. The long jaws can give a nasty bite; note: the roe is toxic to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Florida gar?
The Florida gar has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Armoured with hard ganoid scales and a long, toothed snout; roe poisonous to humans.
Where does the Florida gar live?
The Florida gar lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeastern United States; slow-flowing lowland streams and lakes.
How big does the Florida gar get?
The Florida gar grows to a maximum of about 132 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Florida gar dangerous to humans?
No, the Florida gar is harmless to humans. Not venomous to touch, but the long jaws with sharp teeth can give a nasty bite when handled. Note: gar roe (eggs) is toxic to humans, do not eat it.
Is the Florida gar edible?
The Florida gar is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepisosteus
More from the family Lepisosteidae
Want the complete picture on the Florida gar?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Florida gar is one of 12,519 species in the app.