Florida Long Nose Gar

This is the juvenile size of the Florida Long Nose Gar, Lepisosteus osseus, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. The adults can reach up to 59 inches in the wild. This torpedo-shaped fish likes to lurk near the surface of the aquarium and will quickly dart out to catch live foods. Most can be trained to take meaty prepared foods in addition to the feeder fish. The body is white to gunmetal gray with black blotches running down the midline of the body into the fins. The fins are rather stubby looking compared to the body. The mouth on this species is extended more so than other Gars. An aggressive fish, the Long Nose Gar should only be housed fish other fish that are too large to eat and that will not try to nip at the Gar’s fins. Floating vegetation or plants extending from the bottom to the top of the tank will provide cover for the Florida Gar. A good, sturdy lid will be required to keep this fish from jumping out of the tank.

Approximate arrival size for Florida Longnose Gar: Baby: 4-6"; Large: 8-11"

Detailed Information about this animal