Biologists in Florida were astonished after capturing a fish with an unusual crooked spine. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recently shared a photo of a biologist holding the peculiar specimen. The fish was caught at Silver Glen Springs, a picturesque location in Ocala National Forest. Weighing in at 10.6 pounds and measuring 2.7 feet long, the fish quickly garnered attention.
Unique characteristics and potential causes
The FWC’s Facebook post about the “Crooked Gar” reads, “We got another interesting one for ya. Our biologists captured this longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) while conducting an electrofishing survey in Silver Glen Springs. Unlike the bull shark with a spinal deformity that we shared a few weeks ago, this fish likely got its interesting shape from a spinal injury at some point in its life.”
Despite its unusual appearance, the longnose gar remains an impressive predator. The post continued, “Still, the fish was 2.7 feet long and weighed over 10.6lbs! With their razor-sharp teeth and armor-like scales, longnose gar may look scary, but they are no threat to humans, and they play an important role as an apex predator in many of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems.”
Distinctive features and ecological role
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, longnose gar are distinctive for their elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies and overly long snouts filled with sharp teeth. Their scales are notably thick and overlapping, adding to their formidable appearance. The museum notes, “These fish are formidable ambush predators in the slow-moving rivers, bayous, and reservoirs of the Eastern United States.” Remarkably, longnose gar can survive in low oxygen and higher salinity water by gulping air when necessary.
Commercial fishing and ecological importance
Longnose gar are commercially fished in Arkansas, where they are sometimes viewed as a nuisance fish that prey on sportfish. However, the Florida Museum emphasizes the ecological importance of the species, stating, “The longnose gar is an important apex predator in many ecosystems, and it is crucial in helping prevent other species from overpopulating habitats.”
The capture of this unique “Crooked Gar” highlights the diverse and intricate nature of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems. As biologists continue to study and protect these environments, discoveries like this underscore the importance of understanding and preserving the complex web of life within them.