Spotted Gar
Variant Names: None
|
|
Description:
Lepisosteus is Greek, meaning "bony scale," and oculatus is Latin, meaning "provided with eyes." This last is probably a reference to the many dark spots on the head and body. Spotted gar may be distinguished from other Texas gar species by the dark roundish spots on the top of the head, the pectoral fins and on the pelvic fins.
|
Biology:
Spawning activity occurs as early as April, in flowing water. Fry feed primarily on insect larvae and small crustaceans. As with other gar species, fish appear in the diet very early. Adult diets may be comprised of over 90% fish. Spotted gar are less tolerant of turbidity than shortnose gar. They are typically associated with aquatic vegetation, or timber, in clear water.
|
