Florida gar | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Clade: | Ginglymodi |
Order: | Lepisosteiformes |
Family: | Lepisosteidae |
Genus: | Lepisosteus |
Species: | L. platyrhincus
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Binomial name | |
Lepisosteus platyrhincus DeKay 1842
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Synonyms[2][3] | |
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The Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) is a species of gar found in the US from the Savannah River and Ochlockonee River watersheds of Georgia and throughout peninsular Florida. Florida gar can reach a length over 3 ft (91 cm). The young feed on zooplankton and insect larvae, as well as small fish. Adults mainly eat fish, shrimp, and crayfish. Although edible, they are not popular as food. The roe is highly toxic to many animals, including humans and birds.