Finally
– we tried many years without any success – we managed to import a good
number of this “living fossil” from the USA. Once there was a time when
relatives of this species lived allmost all over the World, even in
Europe several species existed. These creatures were already existent
when the dinosaurs walked around. However, nowadays only one species is
left, namely Amia calva, which is native in the eastern USA.
The
bowfin – this is the common name of the species – can reach a maximum
size of about one meter, but usually grows not larger than 50 cm. Males
stay smaller in general than females. Bowfins are predators that feed on
fish, crayfish and so on. Amia calva has very sharp teeth and uses them
in case it feels in trouble. So one should be aware of that fact.
The
bowfin is a coldwater fish, but due to its lung breathing the fish can
survive even in warm and muddy water. Even temperatures over 30°C are
tolerated. The fish take an intensive broodcare. Males build a kind of
nest of plant material in which the adhesive eggs are spawned. The
hatchlings are also guarded for a while by the male.
For our customers: the fish have code 364002 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Amia: a name
for a fish in ancient Greece, but nowadays nobody knows anymore, what
species was meant. calva: Latin, means “smooth”. Common name: Bowfin
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
