The bowfin (Amia calva) is a primitive, freshwater fish species native to North America, easily recognized by its elongated body, long dorsal fin, and rounded tail. Known for their resilience and ability to survive in low-oxygen waters, bowfin are often found in sluggish rivers, swamps, and backwaters, particularly throughout the eastern United States and parts of southern Canada. The United States is the primary country where bowfin are both recreationally fished and occasionally harvested for their roe, which is marketed as "Cajun caviar." While not a major commercial species, bowfin are sometimes caught incidentally in commercial freshwater fisheries, especially in the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes region. Canada also sees some bowfin fishing, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, but to a much lesser extent. Overall, the bowfin fishing industry remains small and regionally focused, with the United States standing out as the top country for both recreational and limited commercial bowfin harvest.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 180 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.