Ancient Fish

[fossis]

While fishing the other day I caught a 'Bowfin', it is the sole
representative of an 'ancient fish family.
They are also called Grinnel, blackfish, mudfish, dog fish, shoepike,
cypress bass, cypress trout, choupique, scalycat, buglemouth bass, German
bass, brindle fish.
While appearing smooth, they have (cycloid scales), not visible, or rough.
The Top fin resembles an eel, & they have 'tiny whiskers', about an eight
of an inch in length, also sharp little 'teeth'.
They grow up to 6-8 lbs, & are 'carniverous'.
Our State Fishing Guide doesn't even list them.
The one shown was about 22" long, I released him after a pic.
They have a 'swim bladder', enabling them to breathe air, some were seen living for 21 days in a dry pond.

Fossis..............

 

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[wesfrye53]

That's an interesting catch Fossis,,,,I take it they are not endangered and are most likely considered a "trash" fish.

 

[fossis]

True Wes, there are several in area 'sloughs'.

Fossis...............

 

[Copperhead]

Very interesting fish...seems to have some of the same characteristics of a small coelacanth....
nice catch....

 

[fossis]

Very interesting fish...seems to have some of the same characteristics of a small coelacanth....
nice catch....

I noticed that also, thanks.

Fossis................

 

[bigfish31]

If I caught that thing I'd think there was something wrong with a catfish.

 

[fossis]

If I caught that thing I'd think there was something wrong with a catfish.

The first one I caught had me 'confused' also.

Fossis...............

 

[COUNTRY GIRL]

Nice catch! Do you always catch and release, or was he just not an eating fish?

 

[artemis moon]

He is very prehistoric looking. Neat catch!

 

[mojjax]

Thanks for the post Fossis ! It reminds me of this article about "tree fish" I was reading a couple weeks ago .

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=488193&in_page_id=1770

 

[tac512ltd]

Fossis - This is one I caught in March 2004; Thompson River, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; 30 1/2 " ; 11 3/4 lbs. They really pack a
punch. Using dead shiners after a day of bass fishing. Tim

 

[tac512ltd]

Fossis - Just found this photo of a Plecostomus ( armored catfish, suckermouth catfish) caught a few years before the Bowfin.

Now this, I think, is a prehistoric looking fish too. Their body feels as if it armor plated, thus the nickname. It was

the first one I saw, but understand they are great at cleaning aquariums because of their sucker mouth. Tim

 

[CarolinaDigs]

Thanks Fossis Once again you have exposed me to something I have never seen before Blessing your way and keep posting ! I always know when you post I am going to see something very interesting !!! Marjorierose

 

[fossis]

Nice catch! Do you always catch and release, or was he just not an eating fish?

I usually don't keep anything but a 'trophy Fish' & wasn't sure
about 'edibility' of a Bowfin.

Fossis..............

 

[fossis]

He is very prehistoric looking. Neat catch!

Thanks

Fossis.............

 

[fossis]

Thanks for the post Fossis ! It reminds me of this article about "tree fish" I was reading a couple weeks ago .

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=488193&in_page_id=1770

You're welcome, also enjoyed the article.

Fossis.............

 

[fossis]

Fossis - This is one I caught in March 2004; Thompson River, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; 30 1/2 " ; 11 3/4 lbs. They really pack a
punch. Using dead shiners after a day of bass fishing. Tim

That's a dandy Tim, they sure do put up a good fight.
That 'Catfish' is sure a strange one also.

Fossis.............

 

[fossis]

Thanks Fossis Once again you have exposed me to something I have never seen before Blessing your way and keep posting ! I always know when you post I am going to see something very interesting !!! Marjorierose

That means a lot to me Carolina, thats what this site is all
about, 'sharing'.

Fossis...............

 

[d2]

You can eat 'em if you are real "fish hungry" and if you eat 'em while they are hot. After they get cool the more you chew the bigger they get...d2

 

[fossis]

You can eat 'em if you are real "fish hungry" and if you eat 'em while they are hot. After they get cool the more you chew the bigger they get...d2

Thanks d2, I think I will pass, I didn't know. :P

Fossis..............