Hickory shad
📖 Overview
In freshwater habitat, this species occurs in open water of large rivers . Schools of adults are found in marine waters, along the coast; also estuaries, tidal rivers and tributaries during late spring and early summer . Juveniles tend to leave nursery areas during summer . Adults feed on small fishes, also squid, small crabs and other crustaceans, as well as fish eggs. Spawning occurs in tidal freshwater (Patuxent River, Chesapeake Bay in May) , and return to the sea shortly after . Parasites found are nematodes, cestodes and trematodes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 20; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 19 - 23; Vertebrae: 53 - 55. Belly with distinct keel of scutes. Lower jaw very prominent, but not rising steeply within mouth; teeth reduced or in upper jaw absent in fishes over 23 cm standard length. A dark spot on shoulder, several obscure dark spots along flank (sometimes missing). Closely resembles A. chrysochloris which has stronger jaw teeth, no shoulder spot and the body depth less than head length . Silvery, with a dark grayish green back .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hickory shad is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Hickory shad is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous . Temperate; 46°N - 25°N, 82°W - 66°W
🌿 Ecology
small fishes, also squid, small crabs and other crustaceans, as well as fish eggs
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alosa lineata | Storer | 1848 | Synonym |
| Clupea mattowaca | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
| Clupea mediocris | Mitchill | 1814 | Synonym |
| Clupea pusilla | Mitchill | 1814 | Heterotypic |
| Clupea viridescens | DeKay | 1842 | Synonym |
| Pomolobus mediocris | Mitchill | 1814 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 22 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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