Black Sea shad
📖 Overview
This species migrates from sea to mouth and lower reaches of large rivers (at 1-2 years) and spawns in fresh or slightly brackish water, usually close to the shore, upper 2-4 m, in almost still water bodies as flood plains or lakes. Many individuals spawn 2-4 seasons and spawners appear along the coast in late January to March, enter rivers when temperature reaches about 10°C in late April to May, and spawns at about 15°C or beyond in May to June. Eggs are bathypelagic or sink to bottom. Spent fish migrate to estuarine and coastal lagoons or to sea near river mouths to feed and in autumn, move to sea near river mouths to overwinter. Juveniles migrate to sea or estuaries during first summer and remain there until maturity. At sea, feeds on a wide variety of zooplankton (crustaceans), insect larvae and small fish. Populations seem to have stabilized at moderate level after most have declined during the first decades of 20th century due to water pollution. In northern Black Sea, immediate impact is foreseen due to the decline in habitat quality in suitable estuarine ecosystems. On the other hand, the species is still abundant in Azov Sea basin .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Distinguished from its congeners entering freshwater in Black Sea basins by having 66-96 gill rakers, longer than branchial filaments and poorly-developed teeth on palatine and vomer .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black Sea shad is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Juveniles migrate to sea or estuaries during their first summer, remaining there until they mature. After 1-2 years, they migrate upriver to breed. Spawners appear along the coast in late January-March, enter rivers when temperature reaches about 10°C, in late April and May. Spawning occurs from May to June on or above 15°C. Spent individuals migrate to estuaries and coastal lagoons or to sea near river mouths to feed. In autumn, they move to the sea to overwinter .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous ; depth range 50 - 70 m . Temperate; 48°N - 40°N, 26°E - 44°E
🌿 Ecology
a wide variety of zooplankton (crustaceans), insect larvae and small fish
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Alosa Tanaica 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 Black Sea shad is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black Sea 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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