I've kept one before. VERY skittish\easily spooked. Granted i got mine when it was already around 6 inches long. Also, they get HUGE!!!! So, I hope you have a giant tank. I got mine eating worms, and small pieces of fresh shrimp on occasion.
i raise alot of bowfin. and yeah the madket for them as increased dramatically within the last year. my largest female at the moment is right around 26inches, but i've shot close to 15lbers on the mississippi. very cool fish!