None of the fins have spines. The tail is rounded, and the backbone extends part way into it. There is a barbel-like flap associated with each nostril. The back is mottled olive-green shading to lighter green on the belly. There is a difference in color among the fins.
Young fish have a distinctive black spot near the base of the upper portions of the tail fin.
The spot is usually margined with yellow or orange. Although it persists in adult fish it is less prominent in females. Biology Bowfins spawn in the late spring. Nests are constructed by males in shallow, weedy areas. Vegetation and silt are removed from the nest by males and the adhesive eggs attach to any hard structure that is left, such as roots, gravel, wood, etc.