Have you ever caught a bowfin? The Natural State is home to Amia ocellicauda, the Emerald Bowfin (pictured top). These amazing living fossils have been swimming virtually unchanged since dinosaurs roamed the earth!
These fish might look intimidating with their long body and full set of teeth, but don’t worry – they’re native to our waterways and play a role in our native ecosystems. During the spring spawning season, they can get a distinctive greenish-blue tint to their fins (so pretty!).
Don’t get them confused with the invasive Northern Snakehead, which is native to Asia and has invaded portions of eastern Arkansas. These fish can easily be told apart by the presence or absence of scales on their head, the placement of their pectoral fins, and the length of their anal fins (see the picture below). Visit agfc.com/ans for information on aquatic invasive species found in Arkansas, how to protect our waters, and to report sightings.