American Shad
📖 Overview
American Shad (Alosa sapidissima), first described by (Wilson, 1811) is a large fish in the family Alosidae (order Clupeiformes). Adults typically reach 76.00 cm in maximum length and up to 5.500 kg. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 13 years. It is diadromous, migrating between freshwater and marine environments during its life cycle. Recorded depth range: 0 to 250 metres. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species schools in loose to tight aggregations. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, valued as a game and sport species, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Alosidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for American Shad is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for American Shad is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
🌿 Ecology
plankton, mainly copepods and mysids, occasionally on small fishes
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"American Shad 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 770 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for American Shad has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | American Shad · Atlantic Shad · Common Shad · Connecticut River Shad · Herring Jack · North River Shad · Potomac Shad · Shad · Susquehanna Shad · White Shad |
| 🌍CES | placka chutná |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Amerikansk stamsild |
| 🇩🇪German | Amerikanische Finte · Amerikanischer Maifisch |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Amerikankantasilli |
| 🇫🇷French | Alose canadienne · Alose savoureuse |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Alaccia americana · Allaccia americana |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | アメリカンシャッド |
| 🇰🇷Korean | 아메리카청어 |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Amerikaanse elft |
| 🇳🇴Norwegian | Amerikansk shad |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Alosa amerykanska a. zlotosledz |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Sável-americano |
| 🌍RON | Hering american |
| 🇷🇺Russian | американская сельдь · Американский шэд · Шед · Шэд |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Sábalo americano |
| 🌍SRP | Americka lojka |
| 🇸🇪Swedish | Amerikansk shad · Shad · Vit staksill |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 美洲西鯡 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 62 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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