Science Name: | Amia calva |
Other Names: | mudfish, mud pike, dogfish, grindle, blackfish, cottonfish, swamp bass, cypress trout |
World Record: | 21 lbs. 8 ounces SC |
Environment: | lakes |
Techniques: | light tackle |
Range: | Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana |
Subspecies - There are no known subspecies
Habitat - Prefers swamps, sloughs and pools, backwaters of lowland streams. Usually found near vegetation. They live in warm, poorly oxygenated waters that are uninhabitable to most fishes.
Spawning Habits - Spawning generally occurs during the spring. Males clear out a nesting area among heavy aquatic vegetation. The eggs are laid at night by one or more females. The males guard the eggs and protect the young. The eggs hatch in six to 10 days and the larvae attach themselves to the substrate with an adhesive organ on the tip of their nose. The young begin to fend for themselves when about one and one-half inches long, but remain well hidden in heavy vegetation until they are about 10 inches in length.
Feeding Habits - About 80 percent of their diet consists of fish, with crayfish being the second most dominant food item. They stalk their prey using their senses of smell and sight.
Age and Growth - Growth is very rapid. Bowfin may grow to over three feet long and weigh over 15 pounds. Although reported to live for 25 to 30 years in captivity, bowfin seldom live longer than nine years in the wild.
Sporting Qualities - Bowfin are caught often by sport fishermen, but are considered nuisances. Many anglers fishing for bass have been surprised to find that a bowfin has taken their lure. While it will strike topwater and deep-running artificials, it is most often caught in the spring and early summer on minnows, worms, frogs, crayfish or cut bait. It is an excellent fighter, better than some highly rated game fish.
Eating Quality - The flesh is soft and jelly-like, but it is good to eat if prepared properly. Three methods of serving are smoked, fried as patties after dipping in egg and bread crumbs, and stewed.
Tips for Fishing