Home›Browse›Lepisosteidae›LepisosteusGenusLepisosteusEdit this pageSpecies1Photographed1 of 1Difficulty rated1 of 1Where the name comes fromEditfrom the Greek lepis, meaning 'scale', and osteon, meaning 'bone'.Lepisosteus oculatusSpotted GarWinchell, 1864Max length1250mm SL49in SLTanknot recordedTemp12–20°C54–68°FpH6.0–8.0The spotted gar, Lepisosteus oculatus, ranges from Lakes Erie and Michigan south through the Mississippi basin to the Gulf of Mexico drainages. Given its size and a lifespan of several decades it should not be considered a home aquarium subject, and only some public aquaria can maintain it long-term. A modified, vascularised swim bladder allows it to breathe atmospheric air to a certain extent.Difficult1 field missing