The spotted gar is among the seven species of gar. This freshwater fish is native to North America.

Fun Facts About The Spotted Gar:

• The scientific name of the spotted gar is Lepisosteus oculatus.

• It is the smallest of the gar species.
• Their lifespan is 216 months.
• They are carnivores in nature.
• Adult spotted gar weigh about 10 pounds.
• Spotted gars have a long, cylinder-shaped body, which is easily mistaken for a log in the water. Since its watery habitat includes submerged logs, clumps of brush, and fallen branches, its body makes it easy to camouflage.
• You won’t find a school of spotted gar; these fish like to be solo.
• This fish plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by eating mosquito larvae, helping control the mosquito population.
• The gestation period of the spotted gar is between 10 and 14 days. This fish is most vulnerable after hatching.
• They are carnivores, eating mosquito larvae, small blue crabs, minnows, and other small animals fishermen use as bait. As a result, fishermen consider this fish a pest as it competes with other fish for the bait.
• While they can be eaten, they are now considered cancerous due to the high levels of mercury they carry.
• Main prey: Minnows, blue crabs, mosquito larvae, and other fish.
• Predators: Other types of gars