Population Demographics of Longnose Gar, Lepisosteus osseus, from the Tidal Rivers of Virginia

The growth and reproductive characteristics of Longnose Gar, Lepisosteus osseus, from the tidal portions of the major rivers in Virginia were analyzed using a three-dimensional population demographic model. This was the first study concerning Longnose Gar to test multiple growth models, and the biphasic double von Bertalanffy model best fit the data for both males and females. Male Longnose Gar grew to their asymptotic length significantly faster than female Longnose Gar, but after maturity the growth coefficients were not significantly different. Longnose Gar had high fecundity and spawning occurred amongst a bed of Hydrilla verticullata between May and June. Longnose Gar share a trait (large eggs) with equilibrium strategists but overall are closer to the periodic strategist side of the demographic continuum by displaying large adult size, delayed maturation, and high fecundity.