How to Identify American Shad

To identify American Shad (Alosa sapidissima), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery sides, fading to white on the belly, with a dark bluish-green or greenish-brown back. Often has a distinct dark spot behind the operculum, sometimes followed by a series of fainter spots along the lateral line.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, laterally compressed body, Large, easily shed scales (cycloid), Forked caudal fin, Single dorsal fin, Absence of a lateral line (though a series of spots may appear along where it would be), Ventral scutes (sharp, bony projections along the belly)

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body, with 14-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located well behind the pectoral fins. Anal fin is long and low, with 20-25 rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a deep, laterally compressed body, typical of herring species.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Silvery sides with a darker back (bluish-green to greenish-brown) and a white belly. A single, prominent dark spot behind the gill cover is usually present, sometimes followed by a row of fainter spots.

3. 3

   Scales

   Large, thin, and easily shed cycloid scales. The belly has a distinct row of sharp, bony scutes.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Terminal mouth, relatively large, with no teeth on the jaws in adults (though juveniles may have small teeth).

5. 5

   Size

   Adults typically range from 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) in length and 1-3 kg (2-7 lbs) in weight, though larger specimens up to 76 cm (30 inches) and 5.5 kg (12 lbs) have been recorded.

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