The bowfin (Amia calva) is a unique freshwater fish native to North America, often recognized by its long, undulating dorsal fin and thick, armored head. Known by common names such as mudfish, dogfish, and choupique, the species is often called a “living fossil” because it is the only surviving member of an ancient lineage. These fish are formidable predators with a large mouth and a powerful bite, possessing numerous, sharp teeth highly adapted for their predatory lifestyle.
Anatomy of Bowfin Teeth
The dental structure of the bowfin is complex, featuring different types of teeth strategically positioned throughout the mouth. The most visible teeth are the large, conical, and sharp teeth lining the outer edges of the jaws, specifically on the mandibular and premaxillary bones. These canine-like teeth are designed primarily for striking, grasping, and holding prey securely once it is caught.
Inside the mouth, bowfin possess a second, more numerous set of teeth located on the roof of the mouth, including vomerine and palatine bones. These smaller teeth form dense patches that function like coarse sandpaper, providing a firm, non-slip grip on struggling or slippery prey. The arrangement of both the jaw and palatal teeth often includes multiple rows, with the teeth pointing backward toward the throat.
This dental arrangement is supported by constant tooth replacement. As older teeth wear down or break off from the stress of holding and crushing hard-bodied prey like crayfish, they are continuously replaced by new, sharp teeth. Furthermore, the bowfin has pharyngeal teeth located in the throat area, which are used for grinding down larger food pieces before they are swallowed.
Teeth and Their Role in Predation
The bowfin’s dental apparatus perfectly supports its role as a specialized ambush predator in slow-moving, vegetated waters. The fish relies on a quick, powerful lunge, often combined with a sudden suction action to draw its prey into its large mouth. Once the prey is inside, the sharp outer jaw teeth immediately pierce and secure the target.
The inward-pointing, multi-rowed teeth on the jaws and palate ensure that any creature attempting to escape is directed further down the throat. This combination of piercing and gripping teeth is particularly effective against slippery animals such as smaller fish, which can constitute up to 65% of an adult bowfin’s diet. The powerful bite prevents the prey from escaping the mouth once the jaws clamp shut.
This specialized dentition allows the bowfin to effectively consume a wide range of prey, including fish, crustaceans like crayfish, and various amphibians. The design of the teeth and the strength of the jaw ensure that the bowfin can capture and process tough-skinned or hard-shelled organisms.
Handling and Safety Considerations
Given the sharpness and strength of the bowfin’s teeth, caution is warranted when interacting with this fish. The conical, canine-like teeth are capable of inflicting puncture wounds or deep cuts on human skin if the fish is improperly handled. Anglers should be aware that the fish can bite down powerfully and thrash violently, even after being brought out of the water.
To prevent injury, use lip grippers to control the fish’s head or handle it only with a thick, protective glove. When removing hooks, long-handled pliers or forceps are necessary to keep fingers clear of the biting zone. Attempting to manually remove a hook without proper tools poses a significant risk due to the multiple rows of sharp, backward-pointing teeth.