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shortnose gar

shortnose gar (Lepiosteus platostomus) Photo © Uland Thomas

Features and Behaviors

​FEATURES

The shortnose gar may grow to 31 inches in length and three and one-half pounds in weight. Its snout is about one-half the length of the entire head. The body is cylindrical and has diamond-shaped scales. One row of teeth is present on the upper jaw. The body color is olive or brown on the back and sides with a white belly. There are black spots on the dorsal and caudal fins.

BEHAVIORS

The shortnose gar lives in rivers, swamps and lakes. In the water, it is found near aquatic plants and submerged logs. This fish reaches maturity at a length of 15 inches (three years old). Spawning occurs May through July. The female scatters eggs over aquatic plants and other objects in shallow water. Eggs hatch in about eight days. The short-nose gar eats insects, crayfish and fishes.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Lepisosteiformes
Family: Lepisosteidae

Illinois Status: common, native