North African shad
📖 Overview
This species undertakes anadromous breeding migrations from the sea, where it spends most of its life, into the freshwater sections of rivers; it can also live permanently in brackish water . Males migrate upriver at 3-4 years, females at 4-5 years; it starts entering rivers when temperatures reach 14-18°C, mainly in May, and spawning commences when temperature rises above 20°C in May and June . The spawners return downstream immediately after spawning, but many die after spawning; most juveniles migrate to river mouth in first summer and remain at sea until they mature . Spawning occurs close to estuaries in fresh and brackish water . In the marine and brackish water habitats, this shad consumes small fishes, such as species of Engraulis, Sardina, and Sardinella, and small benthic crustaceans, mainly isopods and amphipods .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 22; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 20 - 25; Vertebrae: 53 - 57. Diagnosis: This species is distinguished from other species of Alosa entering freshwater in the Mediterranean basin by: dorsal profile convex; 40-60 thin gill rakers in individuals larger than 200 mm standard length, with 25 to 38 on its lower part; and no teeth on palatine . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for North African shad is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for North African shad is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Semelparous . Most juveniles migrate to river mouth in first summer and remain at sea until they mature. Males migrate upriver at 3-4 years, females at 4-5. They start entering rivers when temperatures reach 14-18°C, mainly in May to spawn when temperatures rises above 20°C. After spawning, spent individuals migrate back to sea, but many die before they do .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous . Subtropical North African coasts of Mediterranean Sea from the Rif Peninsula in Morocco to northern Tunisia (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Alosa Algeriensis is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for North African shad is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for North African shad has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for North African shad ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.