Eyetail Bowfin
Amia ocellicauda
Eyetail Bowfin is a rare, little-known bowfin described from the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region and often confused with the Common Bowfin. It is an elongated, air-breathing freshwater fish with an eye-like spot on the tail base.
Identification points
- Dark eye-like ocellus on the upper caudal peduncle at the tail base
- Long cylindrical body with a single long dorsal fin running most of the back
- Rounded tail and elongate head with a terminal mouth and sharp-looking teeth
Habitat
Reported from large, sluggish freshwater systems in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence drainage, especially vegetated backwaters, marshes, quiet bays, and muddy or weedy channels.
Bait notes
If encountered, small live fish, leeches, crayfish, and large soft plastics or minnow imitations should take it. It is not a mainstream sport species, so bait selection is usually based on bowfin tactics rather than species-specific angling patterns.
Behavior
Like other bowfins, it is a slow-cruising ambush predator that feeds on fish, crayfish, and large aquatic insects. It can gulp air and tolerate low-oxygen water, often hunting in cover or at dusk and night.
Caution
No species-specific consumption hazard is well established, but this fish is extremely uncommon and may be locally protected or poorly documented; verify regulations before targeting or keeping it. Handle carefully because bowfin have strong jaws and can thrash violently.
Fishing notes
Fish weed edges, backwaters, and warm shallow flats with slow retrieves and natural presentations. Use sturdy tackle, as bowfin have strong jaws and are notorious for fighting hard once hooked.