no photo — written note
Animals
Living fossil: armoured diamond scales and a long toothed beak.
Field facts
HabitatBig rivers, oxbows, reservoirs
RangeStatewide
When to lookSurface-rolls on warm evenings
StatusSecure (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesShortnose Gar, Spotted Gar
Field note: It gulps air with a swim bladder that works like a crude lung.
Lesson
Watching responsibly
Handle with gloves and cut the line if deeply hooked; the beak is dangerous.
Rows of needle teeth and razor scales; keep fingers clear of the mouth.
Your records
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