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Bowfin · Native predator (educational + ornamental)

Bowfin (Choupique)Amia calva

Living fossil native to the eastern US. Bowfin look prehistoric (because they basically are - 150 million years on the family tree). Surprisingly mellow with same-size tankmates despite the predator profile. Hardy, oxygen-tolerant, and one of the few US natives that breathes air to survive low-DO summer ponds. Stocked into 125+ gallon indoor tanks more than ponds, but viable in 5+ acre native-fish ponds in the southeast.

Native predator (educational + ornamental) Bowfin

Stocking quick reference

Stocking rate
2-5 / acre in dedicated ponds; or single specimen in 125+ gal indoor system
Ship size
8-14" juveniles
Adult size
24-30"
Best season
Spring + fall

Diet

Live fish, frozen silversides, occasional pellet (with training)

Compatible with

Spotted gar, large bream, channel catfish

Ship-to states

Most US states; some northern/western restrictions

State legality is enforced at checkout - the Fast Aquatics 52-rule legality engine blocks restricted shipments before payment. Permits + DNR rules vary by state for sport-fish stocking over personal-use thresholds.

Buy Bowfin (Choupique)

Live Bowfin (Choupique) listings from approved Fast Aquatics pond + aquaculture vendors. Filter by ship-from state to find the closest hatchery for cold-chain efficiency.

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Sell Bowfin (Choupique) on Fast Aquatics

Fish farms, hatcheries, and pond-stocking companies: list Bowfin (Choupique) for direct-to-pond-owner sales + wholesale Fast Frags partnerships.

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