Shad & Herring
American Shad
Alosa sapidissima
AnadromousClupeidaeLeast Concern
About
The American Shad is a silvery fish with a single dark spot usually followed by several fainter spots along its sides. It is a schooling fish known for its annual spawning migrations up coastal rivers.
- Average size
- 18-24 inches, 3-5 lbs
- Colors
- Silvery sides, bluish-green back, dark spots along the lateral line
- Diet
- Plankton, crustaceans, and small fish
- Region
- Atlantic coast of North America, from Florida to Newfoundland; also introduced to the Pacific coast.