Amia calvaBowfin
Amiidae · Linnaeus, 1766
Max length
900mm SL35in SL
The bowfin, Amia calva, is the sole remaining member of the family Amiidae, from south-eastern Canada and the north-eastern USA. It breathes atmospheric air through a highly vascularised organ and can aestivate in wet ground during drought. A temperate predator growing to around 900 mm, it needs a very large tank of its own, and its sharp teeth and readiness to bite make it a dangerous species to own. Captive specimens over 30 years old are known.
