Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus
Identification
This fish has a long narrow snout and diamond shaped scales.
Location
Common statewide
Size
2 to 5 feet
Diet
It feeds on fish insects and crustaceans.
Habitat
It occurs in rivers and lakes.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It is an ambush predator near the surface. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been widespread in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It occasionally interacts with anglers.
Facts
It can gulp air to survive low oxygen.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Fish insects crustaceans | Rivers lakes reservoirs | Statewide