amia calva

noun

Meaning

A primitive freshwater fish native to North America, characterized by a long dorsal fin and the ability to breathe air in low-oxygen water.

Examples

  • The amia calva is frequently found in the sluggish, vegetated waters of the Mississippi River basin.
  • Researchers study the amia calva to understand the evolutionary transition between ancient fish and modern species.

Synonyms: bowfin, dogfish, mudfish, living fossil