Is it normal??

[DCOWBOYS]

For Gars to come up for air??Or is my temp to high 82,i have plenty of water movement and a air stone.

 

[kevinfleming21]

it is not "unnatural" they spend a lot of the time near the surface anyway.

 

[DCOWBOYS]

Thanks!!

 

[xander]

completely natural. in fact if they are unable to surface for air, they drown.

 

[E_americanus]

gars are facultative air-breathers, at warm water temps and/or higher levels of activity they breathe atmospheric air using a modified gas bladder along with dissolved O2 via the gills. when they are levels of very low activity and water temps are low (lower water temps hold more dissolved O2 in most scenarios) they rely on their gills for respiration. bowfin are the same way. bichirs and lungfishes, however, are obligate air-breathers--
--solomon

 

[PayaraMan]

Mine would always go back up to the top and stick his upper jaw out of the water and scoop some air up and close his mouth.