Spawning occurs in May and June. Adult males build nests by biting and tearing out leaves and stems of rooted vegetation. After the eggs hatch, the young attach to nearby vegetation with the aid of an adhesive tip on the snout. Male bowfin stay and guard the eggs and young for up to several weeks. Although bowfin put up a good fight when hooked, only a few anglers fish for them.
Juveniles make interesting and colorful specimens in a fish tank.
They have an elongated body with a single prominent chin barbel much the same as bullheads, and long dorsal and anal fins similar to those of eels. Burbot are found sporadically across the State. They usually live in lakes, but are also found in some streams where there is cool water and plenty of hiding places. They are unique among New York State fish in that they are the only freshwater species that spawn in midwinter with ten to 12 fish forming spawning fish balls. Although burbot are frequently caught by anglers, most people do not eat them.