The Spotted Gar

Range and Identity

Lepisosteus oculatus is recorded from the lower Great Lakes and Mississippi region toward Gulf drainages. Identification should consider spots on the top of the head and paired fins, together with the full body. It should not rely on a spotted appearance alone.

Habitat and Behavior

Adults use quiet clear pools and backwaters and sometimes enter brackish water. They can breathe air and capture prey with a quick sideways movement of the jaws. Young begin with small invertebrates before fishes become increasingly important food.

Food and Life History

The compiled upper references are 150 centimeters total length and 4.4 kilograms. Texas describes smaller large-fish examples, which are regional observations rather than a replacement for every literature measurement. Spawning occurs in shallow vegetated water, where adhesive eggs attach to plants.

All Lakes With Spotted Gar

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Spotted Gar records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 577 lakes · Page 1 of 25

• Aberdeen Lake Monroe, MS
• Albemarle Lake East Carroll, LA
• Aliceville Lake Pickens, AL
• Allatoona Lake Cherokee, GA
• Amistad Reservoir Val Verde, TX
• Amory Pool Monroe, MS
• Anacoco Lake Vernon, LA
• Anchor Lake Pearl River, MS
• Aquilla Lake Hill, TX
• Archusa Creek Water Park Lake Clarke, MS
• Arkabutla Lake DeSoto, MS
• Atoka Reservoir Atoka, OK
• B A Steinhagen Lake Jasper, TX
• Bankhead Lake Tuscaloosa, AL
• Bardwell Lake Ellis, TX
• Barnett Lake Jefferson, AR
• Barren River Lake Allen, KY
• Bartholomew Lake Ouachita, LA
• Bay Springs Lake Tishomingo, MS
• Bear Creek Lake Lee, AR
• Bear Creek Reservoir Franklin, AL
• Beaver Fork Lake Faulkner, AR
• Beaver Lake Washington, AR
• Beaverdam Lake Tunica, MS