Dear Springs Enthusiast,
We’re excited to share a fascinating discovery made right here in one of our beloved springs. FSI Environmental Scientist Bill Hawthorne, Dr. Ken Sulak, and FSI board member Dr. Steve Walsh have published a research paper on Longnose Gar spawning within floating vegetation mats – a behavior never before published for this iconic fish species!
Observed and photographed over the past two years, this behavior reveals how Longnose Gar utilize floating vegetation for egg deposition. The mats, suspended above the riverbed, likely offer protection from predators, improved oxygenation, and are ideal for egg adhesion. This discovery underscores the adaptability of aquatic species to their environment, as they select habitats that enhance survival for future generations.
The Florida Springs Institute is proud to support research that enhances our understanding of spring ecosystems. Observations like these highlight the importance of conserving Florida’s natural treasures, for the wildlife that depend on them and for future discoveries yet to come.
|
You can watch a short documentary of this behavior here:
|
|
 |
| Watch a short documentary of the spawning behavior here! |
|
