A primitive ancient predator — sometimes called "dogfish" or "mudfish" — and the only living member of an order that originated 250 million years ago. They can breathe air, allowing survival in stagnant water.

Also called: Bowfin, Dogfish, Mudfish, Choupique

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 50–90 cm (20–35 in); record 109 cm
Weight1–9 kg (2.2–20 lb); record 9.7 kg
LifespanWild 10–30 years
OrderAmiiformes
FamilyAmiidae

§ Encyclopedia

The ruddy bowfin is a ray-finned fish native to North America. Common names include mudfish, mud pike, dogfish, grindle, grinnel, swamp trout, and choupique. It is regarded as a relict, being one of only two surviving species of the Halecomorphi, a group of fish that first appeared during the Early Triassic, around 250 million years ago. The bowfin is often considered a "living fossil" because they have retained some morphological characteristics of their early ancestors. It is one of two species in the genus Amia, along with Amia ocellicauda, the eyespot bowfin. The closest living relatives of bowfins are gars, with the two groups being united in the clade Holostei.

Source: Wikipedia — Bowfin Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long primitive predator with mottled olive-brown body. Continuous dorsal fin.

Similar species. No other US fish look similar. Sometimes confused with gar (different family).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish (primary), crustaceans, frogs.

Behavior. Primitive ancient predator. Can breathe air through modified swim bladder. Only living member of an order that originated 250 million years ago.

§ Range

Eastern US into southern Canada

§ Habitat

Swamps, sluggish backwaters, oxbow lakes

§ Threats

Wetland drainage, habitat loss to development, historic persecution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bowfin is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support swamp and oxbow protection. Don't kill bowfin as "trash fish." Maintain wetland connections.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Fisheries Society
  • USFWS
  • IUCN Red List 2014