Shortnose Gar – Lepisosteus platostomus

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Duane Raver/USFWS

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Oklahoma Distribution – Statewide

Description - The shortnose gar has thick diamond-shaped (ganoid) scales, a short snout and an unspotted, short, slender body.  Seldom exceeds four feet in length. (Click on picture above)

Habitat –  Shortnose gar prefer clear, slow moving streams, lakes and backwaters.  This species tolerates muddy water better than other gar.  They can withstand long periods in water with low oxygen.

Natural Food Sources – Feeds by sight.  Fish comprise most of diet.

Spawning – Spawning occurs during the spring in shallow coves and sloughs.  Eggs are dark green and poisonous to man if eaten.  Young become solitary early in life, often lying motionless on or near the surface.

Facts – Acceptable food value, excellent sportfish, capable of swift, deft movements when hooked.  Frayed nylon entangles in gar's teeth and is a popular lure.  Another angling technique is to dangle a hooked minnow inside a wire snare.  Gar swim through the snare which tightens around its head or body.  Popular with bowfishermen.