How to Identify Spotted Gar

To identify Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Olive to brown dorsally, fading to lighter shades on the sides and white or cream ventrally. The entire body, including the head and fins, is covered with distinct, irregularly shaped dark brown or black spots. The intensity and size of spots can vary.

Scale type

ganoid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Long, relatively broad snout (snout length is typically 5.5-7.5 times its least width), Numerous dark spots on the body and all fins, Ganoid scales (diamond-shaped, interlocking, bony scales), Dorsal and anal fins positioned far back on the body, near the caudal fin, Heterocercal caudal fin (upper lobe longer than lower)

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, located far posterior on the body, with 6-9 rays.

Tail fin

Rounded, heterocercal caudal fin, often with spots.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.

Distinctive fins

All fins, including the paired fins, dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, are typically spotted.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Snout Length to Width Ratio

   The Spotted Gar has a relatively broad snout compared to the Longnose Gar. Measure the snout length (from eye to tip) and divide by the least width of the snout. For Spotted Gar, this ratio is typically 5.5-7.5:1. For Longnose Gar, it's much higher (10:1 or more).

2. 2

   Spotting Pattern

   Spotted Gar have distinct dark spots on their body AND all fins (dorsal, anal, caudal, pectoral, pelvic). Shortnose Gar typically lack spots on the paired fins and often have fewer, less distinct spots on the body.

3. 3

   Lateral Line Scales

   Count the number of scales along the lateral line. Spotted Gar typically have 54-62 lateral line scales, which can help differentiate them from other gar species.

4. 4

   Gill Rakers

   Examine the gill rakers on the first arch. Spotted Gar typically have 14-20 gill rakers, which is a higher count than some other gar species.

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