How to Identify Skipjack Herring

To identify Skipjack Herring (Alosa chrysochloris), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Dorsal surface is iridescent blue-green to dark green, fading to silvery sides and a white belly. Often has a brassy or golden sheen, especially when freshly caught, giving rise to 'chrysochloris' (golden-green).

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply forked caudal fin, Large, terminal mouth with a slightly projecting lower jaw, Absence of a dark spot behind the operculum (gill cover), which distinguishes it from some other Alosa species, Ventral scutes (keeled scales) along the belly, though less pronounced than in some other clupeids, Relatively large eyes

Dorsal fin

Single, short-based dorsal fin located mid-body, typically with 15-19 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, homocercal caudal fin, indicative of a fast-swimming pelagic species.

Pectoral fin

Moderately long, pointed pectoral fins, typically with 14-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin is relatively short, with 17-21 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the iridescent blue-green back and silvery sides, often with a golden or brassy sheen.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Note the large, terminal mouth with a slightly projecting lower jaw, indicating its predatory feeding habit.

3. 3

   Absence of Spot

   Crucially, the Skipjack Herring lacks the distinct dark spot behind the operculum that is present in many other Alosa species (e.g., Alewife, Blueback Herring).

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its body is more streamlined and less deep-bodied than many other shads and herrings.

5. 5

   Size

   Adults typically range from 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded size of about 58 cm (23 inches) and weight up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).

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