Amia calva

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Bowfin
French : Poisson-castor

Classification
Class : Holostei
Order : Amiiformes
Family : Amiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 109 cm for a weight of 9.8 kg. Cylindrical body with a massive head and wide mouth. Long dorsal fin. Coloration usually light olive-brown to gray-brown with marbling, spotting and striping.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America, in the south-eastern and eastern drainages and river basins of Canada and USA. Lives in swampy and well vegetated lakes and rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species’ status isn’t precisely assessed but this species has a wide range and is supposed to be at least locally common within it.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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