7 replies to this topic

[johnnymax]

I think I have been convinced to put a couple of Bowfin in my new tank.

Not sure how long I will keep it a Bowfin tank. It should be exciting.

They got in my pond and I am trying to get them out, or at least reduce the population.

If I can catch some small enough anyway.

I can throw my 12' cast-net in my pond and catch plenty of live food as needed.

Also, a local hardware store has live bait minnows for $3 a dozen I can get in a pinch.

 

Comments?

[Fleendar the Magnificent]

Very cool looking fish for sure. I am sure that you'll need a fairly large tank to keep them happy and with enough room. How'd they get into your pond? Ducks?

[JasonL]

If you go to the NANFA Homepage (click the "More" tab above on this page), you'll fine quite a few articles on native fish care, including Bowfin and other species. They are pretty informative.

[Matt DeLaVega]

If you have bowfin spawning in a private pond, it might be worth looking into an aquaculture license. They are a very sought after fish.

[johnnymax]

Now that I want to catch the I can't!

What kind of license would I need?

I guess I would not need a license if I gave them away, or would I? 

[Matt DeLaVega]

You can typically give away fish that are legally taken without breaking any laws. DYODD. Not sure about Texas, but Ohio offers an aquaculture license that allows the holder to grow, sell, and ship fish. Google bowfin for sale. Look at the cost.

[gerald]

NC prohibits selling bowfin because they tend to accumulate more mercury than other fish.  Of course this has no relevance to aquarium keeping, but the rules were written for public health reasons, not for aquarists.   Not sure if this rule applies in other states, but check.

[Josh54]

I have never had a Bowfin, but I think it would be interesting to have them in the aquarium, very few people keep them so this will be really cool.