Home/Store/Fish Out of Stock
Shortnose Gar - Lepisosteus platostomus

Shortnose Gar - Lepisosteus platostomus

$1 000.00
Sold out
Price of shipping is not included.
Size
Sold out
Save this fish to my favorites.
Customer reviews
Reviews only from verified customers
No reviews yet. You can buy this product and be the first to leave a review.
Share this product with your friends
ShareSharePin it
Shortnose Gar - Lepisosteus platostomus
Fish Details, Description and Information Below:

🐟 Shortnose Gar – (Lepisosteus platostomus) – Ancient Freshwater Predator for Sale

The Shortnose Gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) is one of North America’s prehistoric freshwater fish, boasting an elongated body, armor-like ganoid scales, and a shorter, blunt snout compared to other gar species. Native to large rivers and backwaters of the Mississippi River Basin, this species is a skilled ambush predator that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

With its unique appearance, slow and deliberate swimming style, and impressive durability, the Shortnose Gar is a fascinating species for experienced aquarists with large tanks or indoor ponds.


🔎 Quick Facts – Shortnose Gar (Lepisosteus platostomus)

  • 📛 Common Names: Shortnose Gar
  • 🔬 Scientific Name: Lepisosteus platostomus
  • 🌍 Origin: North America – Mississippi River Basin, Missouri River, Ohio River
  • 🎨 Appearance: Long, cylindrical body covered in hard diamond-shaped scales; short, broad snout; olive-brown with darker spotting
  • 📏 Max Size: 24–36 inches (61–91 cm)
  • 💎 Rarity: Occasionally available in the aquarium trade

😇 Behavior & Temperament

  • 🐟 Predatory – will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth
  • 🌊 Slow-moving, often hovering motionless before striking
  • 🪵 Best kept alone or with large, robust tankmates
  • 🛡 Hardy and tolerant of varying water conditions

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

  • 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons (indoor pond preferred)
  • 🌊 Strong filtration and low to moderate water flow
  • 🪵 Open swimming areas with minimal obstruction
  • 💡 Moderate lighting to mimic natural environment

💧 Water Parameters – Shortnose Gar Care

  • 🌡️ Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
  • ⚗️ pH: 6.5–8.0
  • 💧 Hardness: Soft to hard water

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

  • 🐟 Fresh or frozen fish (silversides, smelt)
  • 🦐 Shrimp and crustaceans
  • 🪱 Earthworms
  • 🚫 Avoid feeder fish to reduce disease risk

📋 Shortnose Gar Care Overview Table

Feature Details
🌍 Origin North America – Mississippi River Basin
📏 Max Size 24–36 inches (61–91 cm)
😇 Temperament Predatory, solitary or with large tankmates
🏠 Tank Size 300+ gallons
⚗️ pH Range 6.5–8.0
🌡️ Temperature 68–82°F (20–28°C)
🍽️ Diet Carnivorous
🎯 Ideal For Large predatory fish keepers

✨ Highlight:

  • The Shortnose Gar is a living fossil that offers aquarists the chance to keep a true relic of evolutionary history—best suited for large, well-maintained aquariums or indoor ponds where its size and behavior can be fully appreciated.
Show More
Below are fish you may also like.
Wild Caught
L310 Rusty Pleco - (Hypostomus cochliodon)
L310 Rusty Pleco - (Hypostomus cochliodon)
L310 Rusty Pleco - (Hypostomus cochliodon)
Price of shipping is not included.
$60.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Firewood Catfish - (Sorubimichthys planiceps)
Firewood Catfish - (Sorubimichthys planiceps)
Firewood Catfish - (Sorubimichthys planiceps)
Price of shipping is not included.
was $150.00
Save 33%
$100.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Firemouth Cichlid For Sale Online
Firemouth Cichlid - (Thorichthys meeki)
Firemouth Cichlid - (Thorichthys meeki)
Price of shipping is not included.
$12.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Bucktooth Tetra - (Exodon Paradoxus)
Bucktooth Tetra - (Exodon Paradoxus)
Bucktooth Tetra - (Exodon Paradoxus)
Price of shipping is not included.
$8.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Marlier's Julie - (Julidochromis marlieri)
Marlier's Julie - (Julidochromis marlieri)
Marlier's Julie - (Julidochromis marlieri)
Price of shipping is not included.
was $20.00
Save 25%
$15.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
L252 Jar Jar Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L252 Jar Jar Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
L252 Jar Jar Pleco - (Ancistrini sp.)
Price of shipping is not included.
$35.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Purple Sailfin Gudgeon - (Microphysogobio tafangensis)
Purple Sailfin Gudgeon - (Microphysogobio tafangensis)
Purple Sailfin Gudgeon - (Microphysogobio tafangensis)
Price of shipping is not included.
$45.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Congicus Bichir For Sale Online
Congicus Bichir - (Polypterus congicus)
Congicus Bichir - (Polypterus congicus)
Price of shipping is not included.
$180.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Albino Shortbody Senegal Bichir - (Polypterus senegalus)
Albino Shortbody Senegal Bichir - (Polypterus senegalus)
Albino Shortbody Senegal Bichir - (Polypterus senegalus)
Price of shipping is not included.
was $60.00
Save 17%
$50.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Hypostomus aff. tietensis
Hypostomus aff. tietensis
Hypostomus aff. tietensis
Price of shipping is not included.
$50.00
Out of stock
Captive Bred
Jack Dempsey - (Rocio octofasciata)
Jack Dempsey - (Rocio octofasciata)
Jack Dempsey - (Rocio octofasciata)
Price of shipping is not included.
$20.00
Out of stock
Wild Caught
Mayan Cichlid - (Mayaheros urophthalmus)
Mayan Cichlid - (Mayaheros urophthalmus)
Mayan Cichlid - (Mayaheros urophthalmus)
Price of shipping is not included.
was $30.00
Save 17%
$25.00
Out of stock
  • Search for Fish
  • My Account
  • Track Orders
  • Favorite Fish.
  • Fish Shopping Bag
Powered by Lightspeed
Display prices in:USD
Skip to main content
ENES
Menu
Home
Shop For Fish
Terms & Conditions/FAQ
Shipping & Payments
About Us
Contact Us
© Jasons Plecos & Cichlids LLC 2017-2025
Language:
ENES
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyShipping & Payment InfoReturn PolicyQuarantine Your FishReport abuse
Powered by Lightspeed