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995 Featured Specimen
Bowfin

Details

Bowfin

Amia calva

Size
0.5–1.1 m · 1–9.5 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan

Bowfin is a fish associated with freshwater habitats. It is carnivorous and usually solitary. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
NearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearcticNearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Its range is represented here by the Nearctic, where it uses freshwater habitats. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.

Appearance

Typical length 45-109 cm, weight 1 kg-9.5 kg. It has a finned fish body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.

Behavior

It is mostly active at night and usually solitary. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in freshwater habitats, so movements often follow available food resources.

Reproduction

Breeding usually involves spawning, with eggs and young developing in suitable freshwater, coastal, or reef habitats.

Notes

Recorded scientifically as Amia calva. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.