Order Amiiformes

Bowfins

There is one family, Amiidae, in this order and only one species is alive today.

Bowfins are found in slow moving waters in North America east of the Mississippi River. This is a primitive freshwater fish that hasn't changed much in millions of years!

The bowfin has a long, cylindrical body with a very long dorsal fin that runs from the middle of its back down to the base of its tail. It may also have a round black spot on its tail. It has a rounded, single lobed caudal fin and small, rounded pectoral fins.

The bowfin sometimes sticks its head out of the water to gulp in air if the oxygen level in the water is too low. Bowfin eat fish and invertebrates.