Gar Week makes a splash on social media

CFANS students and faculty member Solomon David participating in Gar Week. 
Left to right: Jenna Pearson, Solomon David, Alyssa Rausch, Jonathan Wilson-Thieroff, and Raine Flynn

Have you ever seen a fish that’s part alligator, part time traveler? Get to know gar! For the third year in a row, Solomon David, a faculty member in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to spearhead Gar Week—a social media sensation that's as educational as it is pun-derful.

These living fossil fish, known for their long snouts, armor-like scales, and efficient DNA repair mechanisms aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Often called “rough fish” or “trash fish,” gar have an image problem. But thanks to clever campaigns like this one, the tide is turning in their favor. 

In addition to general appreciation for gar, David and others have shared fun gar facts (did you know these fish can gulp air?), information about invasive species and how they impact native fish like gar, an overview of current gar research and conservation efforts, along with plenty of gar puns, memes, and fan art. 

Joining in the fun, several state and federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as other fish-loving science communicators, artists, and influencers are participating in Gar Week. To dive in, follow #garweek on Instagram, Blue Sky, or X (formerly Twitter), and share your own fish story! 

“Thanks for your FINtastic enthusiasm for these living fossil fishes!” David shared with gar fans via X.