The bowfin is an ancient bony fish species native to North America. As the sole surviving species of the Amiiformes order of the Jurassic period, scientists regard the bowfin as a ’living fossil.’ The bowfin’s elongated body grows quickly and can reach up to 50cm (20 in) long. Their long dorsal fin and rounded caudal fin give them a cylindrical shape. They are a beautiful blend of olive green with black markings and are similar to gars in their appearance and ability to breathe air.
You can go diving with bowfin fish throughout the eastern United States, southern Ontario, and Quebec. The primitive bowfin most commonly lives in lowland rivers, lakes, swamps, and backwater areas. Night diving is a great time to spot bowfin as they prey on smaller fish and aquatic invertebrates like crawfish, mollusks, and insects. Explore the map below to see where you can go diving with bowfin today.
