Edit Amia calva
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Name
Scientific name
Amia calva
Described by
Authority Linnaeus, Year 1766
Family
Amiidae
Common names
Bowfin, Kahlhecht, Schlammfisch
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The bowfin, Amia calva, is the sole remaining member of the family Amiidae, from south-eastern Canada and the north-eastern USA. It breathe…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
900mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 15–24°C, pH 6–7.5
Hardness
3–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Canada, United States
Writing
Etymology
Amia: etymology unspecified, but probably derived from the Greek amía (Gr. ἀμία), which refers to a marine fish today identified as the Bluefish (Pomatomus sal…
Distribution
South-eastern Canada and north-eastern U.S.A..
Habitat
Usually occurs in heavily vegetated, clearwater swamps, lakes, rivers and backwaters. It also inhabits poorly oxygenated habitats, including stagnant waters.
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of at least 180 ∗ 60 cm for an adult male, although the bigger the tank the better. A female would require a correspondingly bigger tank.
Maintenance
Decor isn't critical, although the fish will appreciate plenty of cover. Large stones and pieces of bogwood, twisted roots, and live plants all look good. Use …
Water conditions
Temperature: 15 – 24 °C. This is strictly a temperate species, and you'll probably have to employ the use of a chiller on its tank during the summer months. Un…
Diet
Carnivorous, but is easily weaned onto dead food. Large earthworms, whitebait, trout and beefheart (in moderation) can all be offered. Young fish will take pra…
Behaviour and compatibility
Given its highly piscivorous nature, potential size and need for cool water this fish should be given (and deserves) a tank of its own. Keep as a single specim…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are smaller and more colourful than females. In young fish, males can be distinguished by the presence of a clear black spot at the top of the caud…
Reproduction
Not thought to have been bred in aquaria. In nature this species is an annual spawner, with the fish congregating in large numbers in shallow waters amongst aq…
Notes
Rare in the hobby, the bowfin is a stunning specimen fish for the aquarist with the means to house it properly. It is the sole remaining species in the family …
References
References
No references