Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus
Identification
This gar has a shorter snout and robust body.
Location
Common statewide
Size
1 to 3 feet
Diet
It feeds on fish insects and crustaceans.
Habitat
It occurs in rivers and lakes.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It prefers slow backwaters and warm shallows. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been native to Ohio.
Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.
Facts
It is more tolerant of turbid water than longnose gar.
Sources
ODNR academic sources
Fish insects crustaceans | Rivers lakes backwaters | Statewide