Amia calva Linnaeus, 1766

Beaverfish

Species recognized by FishBase external link, R Froese & D Pauly (eds) in 
IUCN Red List Status: NOT EVALUATED external link Showing: scientific names

Media Center Navigation

Amia calva Linnaeus, 1766

Images

Items in yellow are not reviewed.

Choose images

Amia calva
Amia calva L., 1766
Amia calva L., 1766
Amia calva L., 1766

Page navigation

Classification : Text | Graphic |
  

Table of Contents

General Description

Biology

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
FishBase external link
Copyright
Some rights reserved external link
Recorder
Rainer Froese external link
Location
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation

Found in swampy, vegetated lakes and rivers (Ref. 10294, 46234). Air-breather that can withstand high temperatures, which enables it to survive in stagnant areas; even known to aestivate; lethal temperature is 35.2¢ªC (Ref. 46234). A voracious and opportunist feeder, it subsists on fishes including other sport fishes, frogs, crayfish, insects, and shrimps. It uses scent as much as sight and captures food by means of gulping water. Males are always smaller than females which live longer. Apparently somewhat migratory during spawning season (Ref. 4639). Eggs are adhesive, attached to decaying vegetation and upright weeds (Ref. 4639). Larvae are found in nest, remaining attached to roots or lying on bottom until adhesive organ is absorbed, thereafter in tight "swarm" guarded by male parent outside nest (Ref. 4639). A 'living fossil' and lone survivor species of Family Amiidae.
References
"Amia calva Linnaeus, 1766". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/223782". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.