Shortnose gar
Lepisosteus platostomus
Where at Shedd?
At Home on the Great Lakes
| Diet | Fishes and insects |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 2.9 feet (88 cm); common length 24.5 inches (62.5 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | North America |
| Habitat | Quiet pools, swamps and lakes throughout the Mississippi River basin; introduced into the Lake Michigan basin |
Did you know?
- The shortnose gar is more tolerant of murky water than other local gars, so it can live in larger rivers.
- Fins set far back on the gar’s body are an adaptation for quick bursts of speed.
- A gar has gills but also a lung-like gas bladder connected to its throat, which lets it gulp air—an advantage in low-oxygen waters.