PUXICO, Mo. (AP) - A southeastern Missouri man has landed a state-record fish.
The Department of Conservation says Eric Whitehead shot a record bowfin while bow-fishing. The fish was shot last month but just recently certified by the state agency.
The bowfin was more than 32 inches long and weighed in at 13.38 pounds, besting the previous record by more than two pounds.
Bowfin are a nearly cylindrical fish that usually are 15 to 27 inches long and typically weigh between 1 and 5 pounds. They live in various habitats, including swamps and backwaters. The fish tend to avoid swift currents and excessively turbid water. During the day, bowfin stick to deeper water, then feed in shallow water at night.