Biologists surprised by 'interesting' crooked fish caught in Florida waters

Longnose gar have 'razor-sharp teeth and armor-like scales,' Florida officials say

Fishermen ‘very happy’ with SCOTUS ruling: Allen Walburn and David Goethel

Retired fisherman David Goethel and Fishing Charter captain Allen Walburn join ‘America Reports’ to discuss the Supreme Court siding with fishermen to prevent overreaching federal power.

Biologists in Florida recently caught a fish with an unusual crooked spine, photos show.

In a Facebook post published on Tuesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute published a photo of a biologist smiling while holding the unusual fish. Officials say the aquatic creature measured 2.7 feet long and weighed 10.6 pounds.

The fish was caught at Silver Glen Springs, an idyllic spring in Ocala National Forest. Silver Glen Springs is located roughly 70 miles north of Orlando.

"We got another interesting one for ya," the Facebook post read. "Our biologists captured this longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) while conducting an electrofishing survey in Silver Glen Springs."

ANGLER BREAKS STATE RECORD WITH 127-POUND CATCH: 'WE GOT REALLY LUCKY'

Angler smiling with fish

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute published a photo of a biologist holding a crooked longnose gar. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute/Facebook)

"Unlike the bull shark with a spinal deformity that we shared a few weeks ago, this fish likely got its interesting shape from a spinal injury at some point in its life," the post added.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute noted that while the fish's appearance may frighten some, the species poses no threat to humans.

OFFICIALS STUMPED BY HUNDREDS OF DEAD FISH FOUND IN POND: 'STILL BEING INVESTIGATED'

Longnose gar file

A longnose gar in an aquarium. (iStock)

"With their razor-sharp teeth and armor-like scales, longnose gar may look scary, but they are no threat to humans, and they play an important role as an apex predator in many of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems," the statement added.

Local residents commented on the Facebook post.

"Pretty amazing stuff," one person wrote.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"Sweet smile on that lady!" another said of the employee.

Longnose gar can be found in freshwater bodies of water in the Sunshine State. The fish can grow to be up to six feet long.

Longnose gar stock photo

Longnose gar can be found in freshwater bodies of water in Florida. (iStock)

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for additional comment, but did not immediately hear back.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Andrea Vacchiano is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can follow her on X at @andrea_vacch or send story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Authored by Andrea Vacchiano via FoxNews July 6th 2024