Where Does Alewife Live?

Alewife lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Alewife

Water type

brackish

Depth

Coastal waters from surface to approximately 100 meters (330 feet) in marine phase; shallow freshwater rivers and lakes during spawning.

Environment

Anadromous; adults inhabit coastal marine waters and estuaries, migrating into freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes for spawning. Juveniles rear in freshwater before migrating to sea.

Geographic range

Native to the Atlantic coast of North America, from Newfoundland and Labrador south to North Carolina. Introduced and established in the Great Lakes basin, where it is now landlocked.

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