RIVER FISH · Backwaters & low oxygen
Bowfin
Amia calva
An ancient native predator with a long dorsal fin that thrives in slow rivers, swamps and backwaters and can gulp air when oxygen is low.
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Meet the fish
- Habitat
- Slow-moving rivers, swamps, backwaters, vegetated bays and other warm low-current freshwater habitat.
- On the menu
- Fish, crayfish and other aquatic animals taken by a powerful ambush predator.
- Size context
- Bowfin are robust medium-to-large freshwater fish; adults commonly reach lengths well over a foot and can grow considerably larger.
- Range & local context
- Native across much of the eastern United States and portions of southern Canada.
Living with the river
Water & habitat
Backwater connection, vegetation and dissolved oxygen help explain bowfin habitat. Main-channel discharge may say little about the exact water they occupy.
Seasonal life
Spawning occurs in shallow vegetated habitat during spring, with males guarding nests and young fish.
Before you go
Bowfin are native fish, not an invasive 'snakehead.' Check identification before killing or discarding a fish because of a mistaken look-alike.
Use the linked agencies and the relevant river guide for current regulations, closures and consumption advisories. A species profile is not a fishing license or a statement that harvest is allowed.
Editorial review: . Regional size examples are labeled; maximum lengths are not typical sizes.
More river fish
Keep exploring species connected to the same river-guide network.