Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus
Identification
This gar has dark spots on its body and fins.
Location
Uncommon in Ohio
Size
1 to 3 feet
Diet
It feeds on fish insects and crustaceans.
Habitat
It occurs in western marshes.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It prefers clear vegetated wetlands. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.
Population
The population is small and localized.
History
It has declined due to wetland loss.
Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.
Facts
It is one of the most visually distinctive gars.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Fish insects crustaceans | Swamps marshes slow rivers | Western Ohio