It has an air-bladder which functions somewhat like a lung, and they are often seen near the surface of the water, gulping mouthfuls of air. They are easily recognized by the flattened heads, long, stout bodies, large mouths full of small, sharp teeth, long dorsal fins that extend along most of the back, and rounded tails. Also 2 short, tube-like barbels are located near the nostrils. The body is olive-green above, shading to pale yellow or cream on the belly. Several dark brown, horizontal bars are often evident on the cheeks.
Males have a dark spot with a bright orange halo, on the upper part of the tail fin.
This fish prefers swamps, sloughs, pools, and backwaters of lowland streams. Bowfins are usually found near vegetation. They live in warm, poorly oxygenated waters that are uninhabitable to most fishes. Lures for the Species you are targeting. Locating Black Lake Fish Return to From time to time I am asked if a viewer may place a link on their site to one of my pages.