Fish · GBIF taxon 5207891
Ruddy Bowfin
Amia calvaAlso known as Mudfish, Grindle, Choupique, Dogfish
Ruddy bowfins are ancient predators known for their long dorsal fins, cylindrical bodies, and vascularized swim bladders that let them gulp atmospheric air in warm, oxygen-depleted waters. Males aggressively defend nests built in aquatic vegetation and stay to protect the dense swarms of black fry after hatching. As one of the few surviving lineage members from the Mesozoic Era, they play a key role controlling prey populations in sluggish North American waterways.
RelictPredatorFreshwater
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crayfish
- Sunfish
- Frogs
Predators
- American Alligators
- Ospreys
- Humans
ThreatsHabitat degradation, wetland drainage, unwarranted eradication by anglers
HabitatsSwamps, sluggish rivers, oxbow lakes, vegetated backwaters
Life span10–30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAmiiformes
- FamilyAmiidae
- GenusAmia
- SpeciesAmia calva
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp teeth and powerful jaws can inflict painful bites; handle with care if caught.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful jaws lined with sharp teeth can crush bones and inflict severe puncture wounds.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a long continuous dorsal fin and a dark spot near the base of the tail fin.
- What to do
- Never grip near the mouth; use lip grippers or dense gloves when handling landed fish.
Responsible observation
- Handling: Use heavy lip tools or pliers to avoid sharp conical teeth when unhooking.
- Observation: Look for surface air-gulping ripples in quiet, densely vegetated bays.
- Identification: Note the long dorsal fin extending across most of the back.
Co-habitant (c) ProjectManhattan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Quinn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinn · cc-by
Distant Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Loveland · cc0
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