The Bowfin is the only living member of the family "Amiidae". The Bowfin lives in near-stagnant waters and is found from the St. Lawrence River to Florida and as far west as Texas. The Bowfin can live in waters that are too foul for other fish to survive in because their air bladders can serve as lungs. They have been seen surfacing to gulp air. Weighing up to 3.6 kg (8 pounds) and at a length of .6 m (2 feet), they have long, sharp teeth and a voracious appetite.
In the spring, the male makes a circular nest by fanning away dirt and small stones with its fins. The female then lays the eggs and the male stands guard for the ten days before they hatch. He then escorts the young fish until they are about 7.6 cm (3 inches) long. Some males may accompany as many as 1,000 young fish.
A large black spot is found at the base of the tail and in the male, it is circled in orange. The Bowfin is also known as dogfish, mudfish and grindle.
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