| Gars are large, cylindrical fishes with jaws that are elongated to form a beak filled with lots of sharp fang-like teeth. The body is covered with an armor of large, thick scales or plates which considerably reduces the flexibility of the body. Gars can inhabit a wide variety of saline conditions, but spawning only occurs in freshwater. They are very sluggish but are capable of swift movements. They are voracious predators of other fishes and invertebrates. The meat of the gar is edible and is favored by some cultures but the eggs of the gar are toxic. |
