Before we get too carried away, I am not a fish expert.
However, I thought you might like to see what I see off the end of our dock.
The Longnose Gar.
This fish lives in fresh water and (as a known species) is estimated to be approximately 100 million years old, in North America.
(Some folks refer to them as Needlenose Gar and I have also heard them referred to as Gar Pike.)
Either way, they’re completely prehistoric looking.
I can also tell you that they like to hang out just below the surface of the water with their dorsal fins sticking out, just a wee bit.
They have a snout full of teeth and usually eat insects, crustaceans and smaller fish.
As you can see, they can grow quite long and are beautiful to observe.
Yeah, between the black water snakes, the snapping turtles and the gar, I don’t actually have the courage to swim in this water...but I am (more than happy) to show you. ;)
(Truth be told, it’s more the snapping turtles that I try to avoid because they grow big and crusty with age.)
See...
This is my favourite turtle. She’s really crusty and has just come out of the water to lay her eggs. She has the longest claws and is probably pushing 40 years old, given her size and general condition.
I hope that you enjoyed seeing what a Longnose Gar fish (in its natural habitat) actually looks like.
I am happy to report that no human (aka me) animal, bird, fish, reptile or amphibian was harmed in the making of this post. ;)
I welcome your comments and I invite you to follow me on my journey...please remember that I am not a fish expert but I will try my best.
Rebecca