Amiiformes (Latin ami- (friendly))
Taxonomy:
Class Actinopterygii
Order Amiiformes -bowfins
Family Amiidae
1 genus, 1 species
VT species -Amia calva (bowfin)
Description: one very long lobed dorsal fin, extending most of the length of the
body. A black spot at the beginning of the tail or the end of the caudal
peduncle, in males the spot is rimmed in orange, and a heterocercal
tail with a single lobe. Also sharp teeth to grip onto prey.
Habitat: vegetated freshwater lakes or rivers.
Distribution: Eastern North America, from St. Lawrence river valley to the
Mississippi river valley.
Ecology and life history: Males make a nest to attract females. Females lay eggs
(~64,000) and leave. Males stay with young until they are done
schooling, then return to the depths.
Adults are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey
including other fish, frogs, crayfish, insects and plants.
Additional details: “Ability to withstand stagnant waters with low oxygen content,
because of a septate gas bladder. The gas bladder allows them to breathe air
as well as through water.” (Bond)
Known as a “pest” fish because it preys upon prized fish.
Recent research:
Koch, J. D., M. C. Quist, K. A. Hansen, and G. A. Jones. 2009. Population dynmanics
and potential management of bowfin (Amia calva) in the upper Mississippi
River. Journal of Applied Ichthyology. 25:545-550
References used:
Allen C. J., et al. 2005. Bowfins: Amiiformes. Grizmek’s Student Animal Life Resource
Edition. Detroit.
Bond, C. E. 1979. Biology of Fishes 1st. ed. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors 2011. Amia calva Linneaus, 1766. FishBase.
Nelson, J. S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd ed. Wiley and Sons, New York
Mugiliformes (Latin mugil – (mullet))
Taxonomy: Class Actinopterygii
Order Mugilliformes
Family Mugilidae
17 genus, 72 species
Description: No lateral line, two separate dorsal fins, one short anal fin, tail slightly
forked, high pectoral fins. Look slightly like a torpedo.
Habitat: Shallow, near shore waters of estuaries or saltwater with a muddy vegetated
bottom.
Distribution: Found all over the world, but mostly in tropical waters. Some species
stretch up into temperate waters. Some species can be found in fresh water.
Not usually found in waters greater than 200m. usually found in waters of 20m.
Ecology and life history: Species spawn at night to drive predators away, and before
they spawn.
spawning occurs in shallow areas near shore, or in a river, because the salt content
is less.
Younger stages eat plankton, both zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Larger mullets eat small plants, and small invertebrates.
Additional details: A variety of species are andromadous (breed in freshwater, dwell in
salt water), or catadroumous (breed in saltwater, dwell in freshwater).
Used widely as food and they are either caught or farmed.
Not threatened because they are found worldwide.
Recent research:
Fraga, E., H. Schneider, M. Nirchio, E. Santa-Brigida, L. F. Rodrigues-Filho, and I.
Sampaio. 2007. Molecular Phylogenetic analyses of mullets (Mugilidae,
Mugiliformes) based on two mitochondrial genes. Journal of Applied
Ichthyology. 23:598-604
References used:
Allen C. J., et al. 2005. Mullets: Mugiliformes. Grizmek’s Student Animal Life Resource
Edition. Detriot.
Bond, C.E. 1979. Biology of Fishes 1st ed. Saunders College Publising, Fort Worth
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors 2011. FishBase