Amia calva (Linneaus 1766; up to 70cm in length) is the extant bowfin, a basal fish able to breathe both water and air. Note the paired inhale nares and exhale nares (green) close to the barbels (pink). Deep lips rim the long teeth. Females produce 2000 to 5000 eggs. Fossil relatives of Amia have a worldwide distribution in fresh and salt waters. |
