What is so special about gars?

[Jakob]

I have been thinking about getting a florida gar soon, but what is so special about them, i have never kept gars before, so i thought i would ask.
I mean like polypterus are so curious even at monsterous size, knifes are the things that start crawling around your tank when the lights are off, aros are the fish you can be very proud of, they are so elegant!
What exactly are gars like?

 

[justonemoretank]

Mine are really great. I have Floridas. They're actually a pretty mild fish -- they don't go all crazy when the food goes in the tank. They slowly cruise and stalk their prey (even if it's pellets LOL). They're beautiful fish, also. They're more active at night than during the day, for sure. Their body movement as they swim is very graceful, though it looks like it wouldn't be, due to their tiny fins and proportionally large, long bodies. They have little flapper paddles in the front that they use to steer; it's quite cute. They're always smiling. LOL you might have been looking for more hardcore description, not "They're cute, buy them!" but here's my two cents!

 

[iManipulate]

They're constantly smiling, its funny to watch them slowly hunt and sometimes miss, get upset and start the hunt routine all over again. My favorite thing to watch is when they swim in reverse, its adorable. They're a badass fish I guess, but I find them kind of goofy, I love gars so much. They're not really active, they just kind of float around all day, either on the substrate, or up near the filter.

 

[Jakob]

Thanks, i just needed some description of theyre behaviour. justonemoretank and imanipulate, you have been very helpful.

 

[justonemoretank]

They're constantly smiling, its funny to watch them slowly hunt and sometimes miss, get upset and start the hunt routine all over again. My favorite thing to watch is when they swim in reverse, its adorable. They're a badass fish I guess, but I find them kind of goofy, I love gars so much. They're not really active, they just kind of float around all day, either on the substrate, or up near the filter.

I know; I love when they use the flappy paddles and throw it in reverse. It's hilarious.

 

[sbuse]

i get the most laughs when mine tries to swim in a s shape in reverse...also how investigative they are..and anything with a mouth full of teeth is top in my book...

 

[justonemoretank]

i get the most laughs when mine tries to swim in a s shape in reverse....

I know, I'm like, there has to be an easier way to do that. My tank isn't small, by any means... just turn around! And the whole time, they're smiling, while they're wiggling... honestly, I have to say that we've really made Florida Gars sound about as mean as a houseplant.

 

[xander]

for me, they're a pita to keep!

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

thats cause u keep cubans!! i want them btw!!
they are way too addictive!! i started with one, had five then one jumped out

 

[phillydog1958]

i have a florida of about 7 inches. i've had him for several weeks and he's finally starting to flex a little muscle and make an impact on my tank. he just started eating. i was worried about him not eating. overall, they are very mellow, easy-going fish. i look farward to mine growing up and becoming the goliath that i want him to be.