Ruddy Bowfin (Amia calva)

Overnight shipping only on baby bowfin!

Ruddy bowfin (Amia calva), more commonly referred to as just “bowfin” until the species was separated recently, are indigenous to lakes, lowland rivers, swamps, and backwaters throughout the southeastern United States. These living fossils prefer slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters where they stalk and ambush their prey such as fish, frogs, crayfish, and just about anything else alive that they can fit into their mouthes. Unfortunately, there are still many fishermen that fail to appreciate these prehistoric beauties and consider them trash fish due to misconceptions that they can be detrimental to gamefish populations. In areas where their range overlaps with invasive snakeheads they are often killed after being misidentified as a snakehead. Fortunately however, they are very popular amongst native fish enthusiasts in aquaria and seemingly continue to gain recognition amongst anglers for their excellent sporting value on rod and reel. 

Bowfin have become very sought after in the aquarium hobby both by native fish and predatory fish enthusiasts and are only sparingly available. Young fish can be sensitive but once they gain some size they are considered “bulletproof” by many aquarists. They grow large and will need ample space as adults, even more so if you plan on keeping them with any other fish. They can be aggressive and cohabitation can produce mixed results. 

DISCLAIMER: Young bowfin (1”-3”) are very sensitive and we cannot guarantee anything after live arrival. Any fish we send out are guaranteed to be feeding and visibly healthy. With proper care they should grow fast and once they get into the 4”-5” range they are extremely hardy. 

Origin: Currently available animals are field-collected and have gone through a preventative quarantine and treatments as necessary.

Care Level: Intermediate-advanced. 

Diet: Carnivores that prefer live and frozen foods. Best to provide a varied diet in captivity.

Adult Size: 20”-30” with females typically being larger than males. 

pH: 6.5-7.5

Water Temp: 65-80F however they can tolerate temperatures outside of these ranges. Mid 70s is ideal for juveniles. 

Other Care Preferences: Bowfin can be jumpers and should be kept with a secure lid. They can be territorial and aggressive. Potential tankmates include bass, crappie, large cichlids, large sunfish, bullheads, channel catfish, and gar as well as other large natives or large catfish. Cohabitation should be done with caution, even amongst other bowfin. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Live ruddy bowfin (Amia calva) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!