Bowfin

Amia calva is one of the most ancient of all living fishes, the sole surviving representative of an order that flourished during the age of dinosaurs. Its cylindrical, muscular body, long undulating dorsal fin extending almost the length of the back, and armoured head plates give it a thoroughly prehistoric appearance. Males are distinguished by a distinctive dark ocellus (eye-spot) at the base of the upper caudal fin, edged in bright orange-yellow — a feature displayed in juveniles and used in threat display. It inhabits weedy lakes, swamps, and backwaters of eastern North America.

In the aquarium, Bowfin are spectacular display animals and long-lived, but they demand very large volumes of warm to room-temperature water and powerful filtration to handle their large bioload. They are completely intolerant of tankmates small enough to be eaten and will rearrange any décor that obstructs their movement. Juvenile Bowfin develop fascinating schooling behaviour and parental care instincts.

Ownership requires serious commitment — adults exceed 90 cm and can live 20–30 years. They are best suited to public aquaria or specialist private collections with pond-scale indoor facilities.

Water: 15–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, soft to moderately hard; tolerates low oxygen — air breather. Tank: 1000 L absolute minimum; open swimming lanes, minimal décor that can withstand body contact. Feeding: Live fish, large earthworms, crayfish; may accept large dead prey and thawed fish with training. Breeding: Male builds nest and guards eggs and fry with elaborate parental care — requires pond scale. Compatibility: Solitary apex predator; will consume any fish, invertebrate, or amphibian in the tank.