It is one of the smallest of the seven species of gar found in North America, growing 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) in length and weighing 4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg) typically.

Historical records indicate the spotted gar resided in the Thames and Sydenham Rivers in Ontario, Canada.

In response to the low oxygen levels created by slow-moving water, the gars have developed the ability to gulp air and send it to a primitive lung called a gas bladder.

In one study, most spotted gar were shoreline oriented, preferred submerged branches as cover, and avoided areas of exposed bank.

[4] Abiotic factors that affect the spotted gar by humans include destruction of habitat and increased sedimentation in the water.

[6] Spotted gar was found to be a cancer risk with high concentrations of heavy metals and organic compounds.

Teri the spotted gar, of undetermined sex, lived at the Museum of Natural Sciences of the University of Saskatchewan for over 20 years.

[8] Today, humans are affecting this fish species by destroying habitat and aquatic vegetation, and creating sedimentation in the waters of North America.

Consequently, the water becomes murkier and causes predatory fish to have high mercury levels or accumulate carcinogenic compounds into their bodies.

[9] Spotted gar desire clear pools of water, and anthropogenic factors can decrease their survivability.

Current management plans for spotted gar include: increasing water quality, minimizing or avoiding pollution, analyzing contaminated samples.