I'm seeing spots - Florida vs spotted patterns

[OTp1144]

Ok, so a recent post in the buy sell section brought up a debate. Florida vs spotted, how do you tell the difference? Quick search here said you can't unless you know collection point. But I pose this question, if both the gar below (both mine) are both Florida, why such drastically different patterns, snouts, fins, etc. They're an inch apart in size.

Front: purchased from an lfs in Georgia, labeled Florida
Back: purchased from an lfs in California, labeled spotted



A better shot of the one in the back

 

[kno4te]

There's just that much variation between fish. Simple answer.

No way to tell without knowing collectin point or blood sampling. I learned that from arguing with the gar pros on here about difference between them.

Plus some are bred now to have super spotting. It sells cause it looks better is likely why it's seen more in the trade now.

 

[Lepisosteus]

Tank conditions, parents, genes all play a role in the patterning. Same thing in many fish, look at stingrays for example

 

[Malte81]

Maybe male and female ?

 

[pharmaecopia]

Maybe male and female ?

With gars there really aren't external differences in regards to sex. Aside from female fish generally being larger/heavier. This really doesn't correlate that well with aquarium specimens as many are overfed.