Shortnose gar

Lepisosteus platostomus

Lepisosteid Fish from the Indian Ocean

Tropical
Northern Hemisphere
Regional distribution
Freshwater fish
North America
Elongated
Large
Tropical fish

The shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) is a primitive freshwater fish of the family Lepisosteidae. It is native to the United States where its range includes the Mississippi and Missouri River basins, ranging from Montana to the west and the Ohio River to the east, southwards to the Gulf Coast. It inhabits calm waters in large rivers and their backwaters, as well as oxbow lakes and large pools.

Class: Gars and Bowfins
Order: Gars
Family: Lepisosteidae
Genus: Lepisosteus
Maximum length: 88 cm
Water: Freshwater
Body shape: elongated
Distribution: North America: USA in Mississippi River basin from south central Ohio, north Indiana, and Wisconsin to Montana and south to north Alabama and Louisiana; Lake Michigan drainage, Wisconsin ; Calcasieu and Mermentau rivers on Louisiana Gulf Coast.
Conservation status: LCLeast Concern

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