Description Lepisosteus is Greek, meaning "bony scale," and platostomus is also Greek, meaning "broad mouth." Shortnose gar may be distinguished from other gar species in that they lack the double row of teeth in the upper jaw of the alligator gar, the long snout of the longnose gar, and the spots of the spotted gar. Biology Shortnose gar spawning activity may occur from May into July. Females are  often accompanied by more than  one  male. Yellow eggs are scattered in vegetation and other submerged structures, usually hatching within eight days of spawning. The fry remain in the yolk-sac phase for another week, at  which time they  begin to feed  on insect larvae and small crustaceans. At little over an inch in length, fish appear in the diet. Sexual maturity is usually achieved when fish reach about 15 inches in length. Shortnose  gar  are more tolerant of  high turbidity than other gar species. They inhabit large rivers and their backwaters, as well as oxbow lakes and large pools.   Distribution Shortnose gar are present in the Mississippi River drainage from the Gulf Coast as far north as Montana in the west, and the Ohio River in the east. Bowfishing Facts The Shortnose gar is best sought in large numbers to fill a quota or tournament creel.  They are small  and rarely  exceed 5  pounds.  They can be numerous and can be harvested in great numbers in the one pound range.  Their small size makes them a "numbers only" gar.  They still have  coarse scales so caution should  be  used.  Any pound pull should do the job on these cigars!  This species is sometimes favored by tournament fishermen.  Often taken at night with the help of  bright halogen bulbs and a fan motor.   [Home Page] [Links] [Species] [Tourneys] [Boat Rigs] [Photos] [Equipment] [Contact Us] [The Store]