The Amiiformes order of fish has only one extant species, the bowfin (Amia calva).
These Amiiformes are found in the freshwater systems of North America, in the United States and parts of southern Canada. They live in freshwater streams, rivers, and swamps.
They have the ability to go to the surface to breathe air if the water level is too low.
Characteristics of Amiiformes are a cylindrical body with a long dorsal fin, single gular plate, heterocercal caudal fin, 10 to 13 flattened branchiostegal rays, maxilla included in gape, and prominent ocellus near the upper base of the caudal fin.
Bowfins are not on the endangered list.
