Longnose Gar - lepisosteus_osseus
Longnose Gar
Scientific Name: Lepisosteus osseus
Fairfax County Native: Yes
Size: 36 inches, rarely to 60 inches
Diet: Primarily fish as adults, small crustaceans and insects as juveniles
Distribution sampling sites: Map
The longnose gar is an apex predator, and plays an important role in preventing other species from overpopulating habitats. Gars have existed since dinosaurs roamed the earth, before most of the fish we know today even evolved.