The evolution of the gar as a group dates back more than 100 million years in the fossil record. Modern gars still retain many "ancient" characteristics, including the ability to breathe in both air and water. The name "gar" is based on an Anglo-Saxon term that means spike or lance. Unfortunately, this species has earned an unfavorable reputation in its native habitat as a trash fish. On the mistaken belief that it damages nets and eats game fish, people hunted this species mercilessly in the 20th century. Once this misconception was finally corrected, the number of alligator gar rebounded back toward previous levels