How to Identify Tropical Gar

To identify Tropical Gar (Lepisosteus microlepidotus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Olive to brownish-green dorsally, fading to lighter shades on the flanks and white or cream ventrally. Often exhibits irregular dark spots on the body and fins, though these can be less pronounced than in other spotted gar species.

Scale type

ganoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, cylindrical body, Long, narrow snout with numerous sharp teeth, Hard, interlocking ganoid scales, Dorsal and anal fins positioned far back on the body, close to the caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Single, short-based dorsal fin with 6-8 rays, positioned posteriorly.

Tail fin

Abbreviated heterocercal caudal fin, rounded.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located far back on the belly. All fins are typically spotted.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout Length and Width

   The snout of Lepisosteus microlepidotus is relatively long and narrow, but generally shorter and broader than that of the Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) and longer and narrower than the Shortnose Gar (Lepisosteus platostomus).

2. 2

   Scale Count

   Lateral line scale counts typically range from 50-58. This can help differentiate it from other gar species with higher or lower counts.

3. 3

   Spotting Pattern

   While often spotted, the spots on L. microlepidotus tend to be less numerous and less distinct than those on the Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). The spots are usually irregular and may be absent on the ventral surface.

4. 4

   Tooth Arrangement

   The arrangement of teeth on the premaxilla and maxilla can be a key diagnostic feature, requiring careful examination.

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