Description Lepisosteus is Greek, meaning "bony scale," and oculatus is Latin, meaning "provided with eyes." This last is probably a reference to the many dark spots on the head and body. Spotted gar may be distinguished from other  gar species by the dark roundish spots on the top of the head, the pectoral fins and on the pelvic fins. Biology Spawning activity occurs as early as April, in flowing water. Fry feed  primarily on insect larvae and  small  crustaceans. As with other gar species, fish appear in the diet very early. Adult diets may be comprised of over 90% fish. Spotted gar are less tolerant of turbidity than shortnose  gar. They are  typically  associated with aquatic vegetation, or timber, in clear water. Distribution Spotted gar are found from   central Texas east  into western Florida. The species range extends north through the Mississippi River drainage into Illinois and the lower Ohio River. Populations also occur in the Lake Erie drainage. Bowfishing Facts Spotted gar are a very common gar found throughout their range.  They are bigger than the  shortnose  gar but normally smaller than the  longnose gar.  A spotted gar of 10 pounds would be very large and a 15 pound variety would be mammoth!  This gar makes for nice day shooting because they  like living in clear  water.  They can be  seen basking in the sun in nice un-muddied lakes and rivers.  Of course night fishing with lights will still produce a greater numbers of sightings.   Though they often live in the same  environment as  other gars they can easily be distinguished by their abundant spots.  When choosing weaponry for this foe a light to moderate set up will be  sufficient.  A bow poundage of 30 to 45 pounds is   plenty.  The use of a chisel tip design for your arrows is preferable due to their "bony" plates for skin.  Always exercise caution  when handling any gar species due to their sharp teeth and  scales.  This  is not a very good eating fish so have your fish disposal ideas prepared before setting out on the hunt! [Home Page] [Links] [Species] [Tourneys] [Boat Rigs] [Photos] [Equipment] [Contact Us] [The Store]