Intracoelomic Implantation of Transmitters in Longnose Gar

Abstract Fish in the family Lepisosteidae (hereafter, gars) have unique ganoid scales that pose inherent challenges to implanting electronic tags in their coeloms for telemetry studies. In this paper we outline a unique approach to conducting laparotomic surgery in gars, with a focus on the Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus . An electric rotary tool with a circular cutting blade was used to cut through the scales, and the same tool, with a drill bit, was used to create holes through which to run the suture material. The final incision into the body cavity was made with a scalpel, and the incision was expanded using surgical scissors. Using a passive acoustic telemetry array, the survival of 12 of 15 tagged Longnose Gars was confirmed over a 123‐d period based on their detection at receivers outside of their areas of capture and release. Two individuals were recaptured 17–19 weeks postsurgery and showed complete healing of the wounds with limited evidence of scarring. This approach will allow for the long‐term tagging and tracking of gars to help elucidate their ecology.