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BOWFIN
FRESHWATER FISHING
Bowfin
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Bowfin
(Amia calva) Common Names - mudfish, mud pike, dogfish, grindle,
blackfish, cottonfish, swamp bass, cypress trout
Description - The bowfin is the only living
representative of an ancient family of fishes. It has an
air-bladder which functions somewhat like a lung, and
they are often seen near the surface of the water
gulping mouthfuls of air. They are easily recognized by
its flattened head; long, stout body; large mouth full
of small, sharp teeth; long dorsal fin that extends
along most of the back; and rounded tail. The pelvic
fins are set far back on the belly near the middle of
the body and the pectoral fins are low on the sides so
that the overall appearance is one of three sets of fins
in a row; the pectorals behind the head, the pelvics
near the midbody, and the anal fin near the tail. Also,
two short tube-like barbels are located near the
nostrils. The body is olive-green above, shading to pale
yellow or cream on the belly. Several dark brown,
horizontal bars are often evident on the cheeks. Males
have a dark spot with a bright orange halo, on the upper
part of the tail fin. The spot is absent or
inconspicuous on females.
Subspecies - There are no known subspecies.
Range - Found throughout Florida.
Habitat - Prefers swamps, sloughs and pools,
backwaters of lowland streams. Usually found near
vegetation. They live in warm, poorly oxygenated waters
that are uninhabitable to most fishes.
Spawning Habits - Spawning generally occurs
during the spring. Males clear out a nesting area among
heavy aquatic vegetation. The eggs are laid at night by
one or more females. The males guard the eggs and
protect the young. The eggs hatch in six to 10 days and
the larvae attach themselves to the substrate with an
adhesive organ on the tip of their nose. The young begin
to fend for themselves when about one and one-half
inches long, but remain well hidden in heavy vegetation
until they are about 10 inches in length.
Feeding Habits - About 80 percent of their
diet consists of fish, with crayfish being the second
most dominant food item. They stalk their prey using
their senses of smell and sight.
Age and Growth - Growth is very rapid. Bowfin
may grow to over three feet long and weigh over 15
pounds. Although reported to live for 25 to 30 years in
captivity, bowfin seldom live longer than nine years in
the wild.
Sporting Qualities - Bowfin are caught often
by sport fishermen, but are considered nuisances. Many
anglers fishing for bass have been surprised to find
that a bowfin has taken their lure. While it will strike
topwater and deep-running artificials, it is most often
caught in the spring and early summer on minnows, worms,
frogs, crayfish or cut bait. It is an excellent fighter,
better than some highly rated game fish.
Eating Quality - The flesh is soft and
jelly-like, but it is good to eat if prepared properly.
Three methods of serving are smoked, fried as patties
after dipping in egg and bread crumbs, and stewed.
World Record - 21.50 pounds, caught in Forest
Lake, South Carolina in 1980.
State Record - 19 pounds, caught in Lake
Kissimmee in 1984.
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