Lepisosteus Oculatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Spotted Gar, known scientifically as Lepisosteus Oculatus, is a species belonging to the Lepisosteiformes category. It is among the most primitive fish species still existing today, with a modified, vascularized swim bladder that allows it to breathe atmospheric air to some extent. This carnivorous fish is an ambush predator that feeds on smaller fishes and aquatic crustaceans in its natural habitat.

Aquarium Setup

The Spotted Gar requires at least a 10,000-liter tank for captivity, and it is best kept alone or with similarly-sized, non-aggressive fish that it cannot fit into its mouth. The tank setup should ensure that water flow is not too strong, and lighting is not overly bright. For specific water conditions, the recommended levels are a hardness of 90-357ppm, a pH of 6.0-8.0, and a temperature range of 12-20°C.

Behaviour

This species is best kept in solitary or with suitable tank mates to avoid aggressive interactions. Being ambush predators, they display a patient hunting behavior, waiting for an opportunity to strike at prey. Although they can coexist with appropriate tank mates, caution must be taken with smaller fish that could be viewed as food.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, getting the Spotted Gar to accept dead foods can be a challenge initially, but most individuals will learn to do so after a short period of adjustment. Feedings can consist of meaty frozen foods such as prawns and lance fish, progressing to larger options like whole fishes as they grow. Feeding schedules change as the fish matures, with juveniles requiring daily meals and adults only needing one or two meals per week.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction of the Spotted Gar has not been recorded in captivity. In the wild, spawning occurs between May and July, with eggs scattered among aquatic vegetation without any parental care. Females can produce up to 20,000 eggs during a spawning event. Dimorphism in this species is not prominent, as both males and females exhibit similar external characteristics.

Habitat and Distribution

Spotted Gars are found in various habitat types, including large lakes, rivers, sluggish tributaries, backwaters, and pools. They tend to prefer larger, low-altitude bodies of water. Their distribution ranges from the Great Lakes Erie and Michigan southward through the Mississippi River basin to the Gulf of Mexico drainages. They may also be located in the Rio Grande, including areas like the Falcon International Reservoir on the Mexico-United States border. The species' type locality is Duck Lake, Calhoun County, Michigan, USA.