Genus Amia, commonly known as the bowfin, is a species of fish native to North America. It is also referred to as "dogfish," "grindle," "lawyer," or "mudfish" due to its appearance or behavior. The term "dogfish" comes from the bowfin's elongated shape, similar to a dog's snout. "Grindle" is derived from its grunting sounds, while "lawyer" is a reference to its sharp teeth. "Mudfish" is due to its preference for muddy waters. Despite having multiple monikers, the species is a prized gamefish due to its strength and hardiness. The use of synonyms for Genus Amia helps people to identify and differentiate the fish based on unique characteristics and traits.