Amiiformes

The order Amiiformes, also known as bowfins, is a group of primitive bony fishes that dates back to the Jurassic Period. The only living representative of this order is the bowfin (Amia calva), found in sluggish waters of eastern North America.1

Bowfins are characterized by their mottled green and brown coloration, a long dorsal fin, and strong conical teeth. Females can reach up to 75 cm (30 inches) in length, while males are typically smaller. These fish are voracious predators, feeding on amphibians, crustaceans, insects, snakes, and other fish. They possess a unique ability to breathe air by inhaling it into their gas bladder, supplementing oxygen intake through their gills, which is particularly useful in warmer months when dissolved oxygen levels are low.1

The bowfin's swim bladder can function as a lung, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor waters. This adaptation, along with its predatory nature, makes it a resilient species.21