Florida Gar

Florida Gar

Facts - Information - Picture

Profile of the Florida Gar
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Florida Gar species.

• Size: Up to 132cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 7.0-7.5

• Diet / Feeding: Dried and Frozen food, particularly krill and shrimp

• Temperament: Good community fish

• Habitat: Shallow Lakes, Ponds, Canals and Steams, especially areas of dense vegetation

• Behaviour: Peaceful

• Range: Florida and Georgia, USA

Scientific Classification of the Florida Gar
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Lepisosteus platyrhincus

• Popular Name: Florida Gar

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Lepisosteiformes

• Family:Lepisosteidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Florida Gar?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Florida Gar slimy?
Florida Gar secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Florida Gar to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Florida Gar have gills?
Gills enable the Florida Gar to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Florida Gar have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Florida Gar has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Florida Gar has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Florida Gar has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Florida Gar has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Florida Gar