Longnose Gar

Longnose Gar in the Altamaha River Estuary

The goal of this study was to gain an understanding of the abundance of Lepisosteus osseus (Longnose Gar) in the Altamaha River estuary, Georgia, USA. During the summers of 2019–2022, we marked 428 Longnose Gar that were captured as bycatch during gill- and trammel-net surveys for other species. No individuals were recaptured, so we could not estimate abundance. We also conducted a small study of tag retention on 3 captive Longnose Gar. Those individuals retained their marks for at least 24 weeks, suggesting that tag loss was not a viable explanation for our lack of wild Longnose Gar recaptures. Other potential explanations include trap aversion, delayed mortality, high mobility of individuals, or that the Altamaha River estuary supports a robust population of Longnose Gar.

Age and Growth of Longnose Gar in Georgia

K Morgan | M Hamel | AG Fox

This study seeks to explore age and growth and longevity of Longnose Gar in Georgia. Fish were collected from several coastal and inland sites across five Georgia river basins. Morphometric data and sex data were recorded and sagittal otoliths were collected from each fish. Otoliths were sectioned using a low-speed isomet saw and sections were imaged using a microscope to visualize annuli. Two readers independently aged the otoliths, then came together for a concert reading to settle disputed ages. Otoliths were also measured in order to perform back-calculations and identify weak and strong recruitment classes. The results of this study serve as the first estimate of Longnose Gar age, growth, and longevity in the state of Georgia.

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