Family: Lepisosteidae (gars)

The 3 gar species of the Great Lakes region are distinguished by the shape of the jaws or snout and the pattern of scales.

Distribution and Habitat

N = Native, I = Introduced (exotic), X = Extinct, P = Extirpated

Image	Scientific Name	Common Name	Lake Superior	Lake Michigan	Lake Huron	Lake Erie	Lake Ontario	Habitat
	Lepisosteus oculatus	spotted gar		N		N		river/littoral
	Lepisosteus osseus	longnose gar	N	N	N	N	N	river/littoral
	Lepisosteus platostomus	shortnose gar		N*				river/littoral

Table modified from "The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery" MI Sea Grant Extension, Michigan State University.
* Listed in this publication and in their resources (circa 1980's) as native to the region. Most recent literature refers to this species as native to the Mississippi River drainage and invading Lake Michigan in the 1960's.

Species Profiles

Lepisosteus oculatus - spotted gar
Scientific Profile - UofM Museum of Zoology	Adult size: 80cm
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Indicates a link to a non-GLERL NOAA website.
Indicates a link to a non-NOAA website or content not generated by NOAA. NOAA is not responsible for the accuracy of content. Please check Privacy and Use Policies of the destination site.
USE NOTICE