My, what sharp teeth you have!

Dozens of sharp, curved teeth help the longnose gar catch its prey. Lying motionless near the surface, it waits for minnows and other small fish to swim by. Then, with a quick snap of the head, it snags its dinner. The teeth can be dangerous even after death-this skull "bit" one of our staff members preparing this display!

Longnose gar prefer warm, quiet waters and weedy floodplain lakes. Shallow waters often have little oxygen, so the gar will rise to the surface to gulp air into its swim bladder.

Want to learn more about the longnose gar? Follow the links below.

University of Minnesota - Lots of general info and some nice photos.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Good basic information.

eNature - Another good overview from the National Wildlife Federation

Great Lakes Waterlife Photo Gallery - Nice photos, and links to lots of good conservation sites.

The Virtual Aquarium

Minnesota Fishing Regulations

Fishing the shortnose gar - From Lurkerlink a site dedicated to Minnesota fishing.

Advice on flyfishing for Gars

Clackamas Literary Review, "Gitting Myself a Garfish" - The story of the big one that didn’t get away – a giant alligator gar in Louisiana.