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American Bowfin Fish Caviar

Bowfin caviar is the roe of Amia calva — known in Louisiana as choupique — a native North American freshwater fish that isn't a sturgeon or sturgeon relative. Its pearls are naturally true black, with no added dye, making it an honestly-labelled alternative to dyed lumpfish and to pricier sturgeon roe. Wild-harvested in the US. In stock now in 100 g and 200 g jars, starting at $42, with overnight shipping to all 50 states.

A jar of Bowfin caviar, naturally true-black roe, on dark slate.

100 g · 3.5 oz

Bowfin Caviar — 100 g Jar

The only naturally true-black roe in the catalogue, wild-harvested. Amia calva — not a sturgeon.

$42.00View
Bowfin caviar served, naturally true-black roe.

200 g · 7.1 oz

Bowfin Caviar — 200 g Jar

The 200 g jar — the lowest price per ounce in the catalogue. Naturally true-black Amia calva roe.

$82.00View

What you’re buying

Taste and Quality

Bowfin caviar has firm, small pearls around 2 mm with a clean, mild flavour and a distinct pop — milder and less complex than sturgeon caviar, which is part of why it costs far less.

  • Pearl size: around 2 mm
  • Colour: naturally true black
  • Texture: firm, distinct pearls
  • Flavour: clean and mild

Price

ProductSizePricePer ounce
Bowfin Caviar — 200 g Jar200 g (7.1 oz)$82.00$11.71
Bowfin Caviar — 100 g Jar100 g (3.5 oz)$42.00$12.00

Bowfin carries the lowest price per ounce in the USA Black Caviar catalogue, as of August 2026.

Bowfin vs Sturgeon and Lumpfish Caviar

Sturgeon caviar has larger pearls and a brinier, more complex flavour, at several times the price. Lumpfish caviar is usually dyed to look black; bowfin is black on its own.

Bowfin Sturgeon Lumpfish
Species Amia calva Acipenseriformes Cyclopterus lumpus
Sturgeon? No Yes No
Colour Naturally true black Amber to charcoal Usually dyed
Price per ounce Lowest in the catalogue Highest Not sold here

How much to order

Jar Appetiser (12–15 g/person) Centrepiece (30 g/person)
100 g 6–8 people 3–4 people
200 g 13–16 people 6–7 people

Bowfin caviar FAQ

Is bowfin the same as choupique, and is it a sturgeon?
Yes to choupique — it's the Louisiana name for the same fish, Amia calva; "choupique caviar" and "bowfin caviar" are the same product under two names. No to sturgeon — bowfin belongs to an older, separate lineage of fish entirely, so its roe is caviar, just not sturgeon caviar.
Is bowfin caviar farm-raised, and where does it come from?
No — it's wild-harvested in the United States. Bowfin is a native North American fish, not farmed or imported. Contains fish (bowfin roe).
What are the health benefits of caviar?
A 1 oz (28 g) serving of roe delivers about 7 g of protein, about 800 mg EPA and 1,080 mg DHA (omega-3 fatty acids), 236% of the daily value for vitamin B12, plus selenium, iron, and small amounts of vitamins A, D, and E. Omega-3s and B12 support brain, heart, and immune health, though most of the research behind these benefits comes from lab and animal studies rather than large human trials. Roe is also relatively high in sodium, so nutritionists recommend treating it as a garnish (a teaspoon or so at a time) rather than a regular high-volume food.
How should I store it, and how long does it keep?
Keep refrigerated at 28–32°F (−2 to 0°C) — never freeze it, freezing ruptures the pearls. Once opened, use it within 48 hours.
How is it shipped, and how fast will I get it?
Ships to all 50 US states. Orders leave within 3 business days, then travel overnight via UPS in an insulated cooler with gel ice.

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Enquire about Bowfin caviar

We'll confirm availability and delivery date by phone or email, usually within one business day.

Or call1-888-297-9196· Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–6:00 pm PST

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