Bowfin

/ˈbaʊ.fɪn/ noun

Definition

A primitive freshwater fish found in North America that breathes air and is considered a living fossil because it hasn't changed much in millions of years.

Etymology

From 'bow' (a curved shape, referring to its bowed or curved body) plus 'fin'. The word likely originated in North America among fishermen describing the fish's distinctive curved shape.

Kelly Says

Bowfins are basically swimming dinosaurs—they have the same body structure their ancestors did 150 million years ago, and they can gulp air like a lung, making them one of the oldest fish designs still working!

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