Bowfin Amia calva

Identification
This ancient fish has a long cylindrical body and a rounded tail.

Location
Common statewide

Size
1 to 10 pounds

Diet
It feeds on fish insects and amphibians.

Habitat
It occurs in wetlands and slow rivers.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is hardy and tolerates low oxygen. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring with males guarding nests.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been native to Ohio.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.

Facts
It is one of the oldest fish lineages.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Fish insects amphibians | Swamps wetlands slow rivers | Statewide