Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Lepisosteiformes

Family: Lepisosteidae

Genus: Lepisosteus

Species: L. osseus.

Specimen Description

Lepisosteus osseus has a heterocercal tail, which is having a tail with two unequal lobes  the upper lobe larger than the lower with the vertebral column extending into the upper lobe. Single dorsal fin and anal fins are present near the tail. These fins are soft and have dark spots on it.

About the Animal

Longnose gar have long, narrow snouts more than twice as long as the rest of the head and they have abundant, sharp, villiform teeth. Mature L. osseus are olive brown in color with a white belly. Dark spots can be found on the median fins and, in individuals from clear water, on the body. L. osseus live in a variety of lowland habitats, preferring sluggish areas of larger rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries. They can live in brackish water and are common in the deeper bayous along the Gulf Coast. During the mating process as many as 15 males may approach the female. If she is ready, she will lead them in an elliptical pattern for up to 15 minutes prior to spawning. Spawning occurs in the spring and summer for L. osseus. In rivers, longnose gar make upstream spawning runs during the spring period of high water, then move downstream into larger pools.

Reference:

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lepisosteus_osseus/

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/Gar_animal_info_series_for_web_2012.pdf