Plants and Animals
Lepisosteus oculatus Spotted gar
Key Characteristics
Gars are a group of primitive fish that are easily recognized by their slender, long bodies, with long beak mouths and many prominent teeth. Their bodies are bony and hard, and the dorsal and anal fins are opposite each other near the tail. As the name suggests, the spotted gar has many dark spots on its body, head and fins. The body is a deep olive-green to brown color above, and yellowish or whitish below. It has 53 to 59 lateral line scales and 45 to 54 predorsal scales.
Status and Rank
US Status: No Status/Not Listed
State Status: SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)
Global Rank: G5 - Secure
State Rank: S2S3 - Rank is uncertain, ranging from imperiled to vulnerable
Occurrences
| County | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Allegan | 10 | 2015 |
| Barry | 5 | 2018 |
| Benzie | 1 | 2014 |
| Berrien | 3 | 1990 |
| Branch | 15 | 2016 |
| Calhoun | 1 | 1863 |
| Cass | 12 | 2017 |
| Emmet | 1 | 2009 |
| Hillsdale | 8 | 2018 |
| Ionia | 2 | 1978 |
| Jackson | 8 | 2018 |
| Kalamazoo | 9 | 2022 |
| Kent | 1 | 1988 |
| Lenawee | 1 | 2001 |
| Montcalm | 1 | 1989 |
| Muskegon | 1 | 1956 |
| Newaygo | 1 | 1953 |
| Ottawa | 1 | 2019 |
| St. Joseph | 11 | 2017 |
| Van Buren | 10 | 2013 |
| Washtenaw | 2 | 1997 |
| Wayne | 1 | 2007 |
Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
The spotted gar requires clear, quiet water with abundant aquatic vegetation. It occurs in backwater areas of rivers, lakes and wetlands. Like other gar species, it is tolerant of warm water with low dissolved oxygen levels. They spawn in shallow, warm water.
Specific Habitat Needs
Macrophytes needed in: Inland lake, littoral, midwater; Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), pool.
Natural Community Types
- Inland lake, littoral, midwater
- Mainstem stream (3rd-4th order), pool
For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.
Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.
Management Recommendations
The spotted gar requires clear vegetated waters. These habitats are rapidly disappearing in its range. Siltation, dredging, filling and harbor improvements negatively impact this species.
Active Period
Spawning from fourth week of April to first week of June
Survey Methods
Electrofishing
Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September
Seines
Survey Period: From first week of April to fourth week of September
References
Survey References
- Murphy, B.R. and D.W. Willis, eds. 1996. Fisheries Techniques, 2nd ed. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda. 732pp.
Technical References
- Bailey, R.M., W.C. Latta, and G.R. Smith. 2004. An Atlas of Michigan Fishes. Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, No. 192, Ann Arbor. 215p.
- Carman, S.M. 2002. Special Animal Abstract for Lepisosteus oculatus (Spotted gar). Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 3pp.
- Page, L. M. and B.M. Burr. 1991. A field guide to freshwater fishes: North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432pp.
- Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman. 1973. Freshwater fishes of Canada. Bulletin 184, Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Ottawa. 966pp.
- Trautman, M.B. 1981. The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press, Columbus. 782pp.