Growth and Ecology of Bowfin (Amia calva) in Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan fishes have been researched heavily, but many of the “rough species” have only been characterized anecdotally.  The growth and ecology of Bowfin (Amia calva) have not been adequately investigated in Lake Michigan.  This study seeks to describe their longevity and growth, and investigate their feeding ecology.  Bowfin were collected from coastal wetlands at seven sites around Green Bay over two summers.  The sagittae, lapilli, asteriscii, four pectoral fin rays, a tissue sample, and the stomach were collected for each fish.  Age and growth estimates were calculated for all three otoliths and pectoral fin rays.  Precision of estimation and von Bertalanffy growth parameters were compared for each structure.  Tissue samples were analyzed for stable C and N isotopes to investigate wetland contribution to production and tropic level.  These data were compared between sexes and among age classes.  This study provides insight into the ecology of a data deficient predatory species in a highly managed and exploited system.