Lepisosteidae, commonly known as gars, are a family of ancient, ray-finned fish that have existed since the Late Jurassic period. Gars are recognized by their elongated bodies, long snouts filled with sharp teeth, and ganoid scales, which are diamond-shaped and thick. Today, these predatory fish primarily inhabit freshwater environments in North and Central America. Gars possess a swim bladder that functions similarly to a lung, allowing them to breathe air and survive in low-oxygen waters.