A very long dorsal fin helps in identification. In addition to gills, these fish have a modified air bladder, like the gar, that enables them to use surface air and to live in polluted or stagnant water unsuitable for most fish. The distribution of the bowfin in New York is similar to that of the longnose gar. It is also found along the shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie. In central New York, it is known from Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, and from intermediate waters.
Bowfins are spring spawners.
The male constructs a bowl-shaped nest in shallow water and guards the eggs and fry for several weeks. Adult bowfins usually reach a length of about 2 feet and weigh 2-5 pounds, although they may occasionally reach weights of up to 12 pounds. Bowfins feed on all sorts of aquatic animals-crustaceans, adult insects and larvae, and small fish. Generally, they are a scarce fish of no commercial value. They are dogged fighters when caught on sporting tackle, but their flesh is generally considered poor eating.