Template

Bowfin (Amia calva)

Grab the object above with your mouse, using the combinations below.

Viewing Options	WF - Java based 3DC - plug-in required; PC only

	Bowfins are a group of primitive ray-finned fishes (order Amiiformes). There is only a single surviving species of bowfin, Amia calva with a limited geographical distribution, mostly in lakes and rivers of eastern North America. However many fossil amiids were marine fishes with wider distribution. The oldest fossil amiids are known from the Late Jurassic of Germany and other fossils have been discovered from the Late Cretaceous of North America, Europe and Asia, the Oligocene of Germany and the Eocene of North America. It is not known why marine amiids became extinct, but competition with teleosts in specific habitats might have caused the demise of marine amiids. Bowfins have very long dorsal fin consisting of about 48 rays. They can grow up to 90 cm and their swim bladder is also capable of respiratory function. Bowfins are voracious predators with a mouthful of sharp teeth lining both oral and pharyngeal jaws. Polygon counts: Original 1,272,796; 30,000 before compression Time: Recent Locality: N/A Specimen: N/A
Data scanning, postprocessing, and preparation of this web page by: Becky Wieczorek

Bowfins are a group of primitive ray-finned fishes (order Amiiformes). There is only a single surviving species of bowfin, Amia calva with a limited geographical distribution, mostly in lakes and rivers of eastern North America. However many fossil amiids were marine fishes with wider distribution. The oldest fossil amiids are known from the Late Jurassic of Germany and other fossils have been discovered from the Late Cretaceous of North America, Europe and Asia, the Oligocene of Germany and the Eocene of North America. It is not known why marine amiids became extinct, but competition with teleosts in specific habitats might have caused the demise of marine amiids.

Bowfins have very long dorsal fin consisting of about 48 rays. They can grow up to 90 cm and their swim bladder is also capable of respiratory function. Bowfins are voracious predators with a mouthful of sharp teeth lining both oral and pharyngeal jaws.

Polygon counts: Original 1,272,796; 30,000 before compression
Time: Recent
Locality: N/A
Specimen: N/A