Florida Gar
Description
of the Florida Gar
The Florida Gar is also commonly known as the Florida Garpike.
They are a hardy fish and despite their teeth are a peaceful
fish and not aggressive to their tank mates. They have an air
bladder which they use to help them survive in poorly oxygenated
water.
Profile of
the Florida Gar
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Florida Gar species.
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Size: Up to
132cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 7.0-7.5
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Diet / Feeding:
Dried and Frozen food, particularly krill and shrimp
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Temperament:
Good community fish
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Habitat: Shallow
Lakes, Ponds, Canals and Steams, especially areas of dense
vegetation
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Behaviour:
Peaceful
-
Range: Florida
and Georgia, USA
Scientific
Classification of the Florida Gar
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Florida Gar?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Florida Gar slimy?
Florida Gar secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Florida Gar to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Florida Gar have gills?
Gills enable the Florida Gar to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Florida Gar have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Florida Gar
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Florida Gar
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Florida Gar
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Florida Gar
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Florida Gar
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