Spotted Garスポッテッドガー

Lepisosteus oculatusLC— Least Concern

The spotted gar is a slender, armor-scaled predatory fish native to North American rivers and lakes, easily recognized by its long snout covered in dark spots and its ability to gulp air at the surface when oxygen levels run low.

Spotted Gar (reference photo)
Photo: Brian.gratwicke on English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Lepisosteiformes / Lepisosteidae Source
Distribution
Found across North America from southern Ontario to the Gulf of Mexico coast and Texas, favoring clear, slow-moving, shallow waters of creeks, rivers, and lakes with aquatic vegetation. Source

Did You Know?

  • Gars possess a primitive air-breathing organ: in response to low oxygen levels in slow-moving water, they can gulp air at the surface and pass it to a primitive lung-like gas bladder. Source
  • Spotted gar eggs are highly toxic to potential predators, offering natural protection during the vulnerable incubation period. Source

Where to See This Species

1 facilities · 0 individuals

ふくしま海洋科学館 (Fukushimakaiyoukagakukan)FukushimaOpened in 2000

ふくしま海洋科学館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Lepisosteus oculatusはIUCNでLCです。

Habitat

北米の河川、湖沼、湿地、緩流域。

Threats

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

How big does a spotted gar get?
Adults typically reach 0.6-0.9 m in length and weigh 1.8-2.7 kg, with a maximum recorded lifespan of around 18 years. Source
Can spotted gar breathe air?
Yes. They have a primitive lung-like gas bladder and can gulp air at the surface, an adaptation that lets them survive in low-oxygen water. Source
Are spotted gar eggs dangerous?
Their eggs are highly toxic to potential predators, which helps protect them during incubation. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org