BOWFIN

Order: Amiiformes

Family: Amiidae

Scientific name: Amia calva

Maximum size (wild) : 109cm (more commonly 53cm)

Age: 30 years

The bowfin is the only living member of the family Amiidae, larger group Halecomorphi, and is closely related to the gars.

Bowfin are easily identified by their elongate dorsal fin, which undulates when swimming.  Bowfin also possess nostril tubercles and a gular plate.  Juveniles have a yellow-ringed ocellus located in the upper portion of the caudal peduncle which is retained in adult males, but often lost or reduced to a black spot in adult females.

Amia calva is a facultative air-breather and possesses a modified gas bladder which serves as a lung.  During levels of high activity and/or low dissolved oxygen, bowfin use their lung to breathe air.

See photos below, additional images coming soon!

Large female bowfin from Illinois River

Juvenile

Adult male

Adult female