Needlenose Gar fish

The longnose gar is an ancient, primitive fish with an elongated body, long snout, and sharp teeth. It is found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries throughout the eastern United States and can survive in low-oxygen water by gulping air. While it is an effective predator, it primarily eats small fish and insects and is a popular target for bowfishing.

Characteristics

• Appearance: Long, slender body with a long, narrow snout and sharp teeth. Its scales are hard and diamond-shaped.

• Color: Olive green or dark brown on the back, with a white or cream-colored belly.

• Size: Can grow over 5 feet long and weigh up to 40 pounds.

• Other names: Needlenose gar, Billyfish, Pin-nose gar, and Scissorlips.

Habitat and behavior

• Habitat: Found in a variety of freshwater and brackish habitats, including large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries. They prefer areas with overhanging trees and submerged structures.

• Breathing: Can breathe both with gills and by gulping air at the surface, which allows them to survive in water with very low oxygen levels.

• Diet: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats insects and crustaceans. They are ambush predators that lunge at their prey.

• Spawning: Spawns in the spring in shallow water over gravel or vegetation.

Other facts

• Longevity: Can live for 30 years or more.

• Conservation status: Listed as "least concern" by the IUCN, as its population is stable.

• Fishing: Popular with bowfishers and can be caught by anglers seeking other species. Some people consider the meat a delicacy.