American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia

Abundance: Common

Habitat: Coastal

Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)

Lifespan: 6-10 years

Toothless, schooling, migratory, plankton eaters that live in saltwater and travel up rivers to spawn. The American Shad has a dark, blue-green back, pale sides, silver belly, and weighs 3—8 lbs. The stomach and chest of American shad have sharp scales similar to that of a saw. American shad have one or more black spots in a row on their shoulder. Though rare, some American shad have two rows of black spots. When American shad enter rivers to spawn, their colors darken. Although bony, it has a delicate flavor when cooked. Many esteem its taste to be above the famous Atlantic salmon, without requiring sauces, herbs, or spices. Shad eggs, or “roe,” are a delicacy in the US.

Diet

Plankton, small shrimp and fish eggs

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Kingdom: Animalia

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Phylum: Chordata

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Class: Actinopterygii

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Order: Clupeiformes

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Family: Alosidae

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Genus: Alosa

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Species: Alosa sapidissima

Scientific Name

Alosa sapidissima

Common Name

American Shad

Breeding Season

Late winter to early spring, usually January in Georgia

Migration Pattern

Migrate to into rivers toward the end of Winter to spawn

Lifespan

6-10 years

Behavior

American shad are social animals that swim in schools. They do not have a determined home range or defend territory. They are able to detect ultrasonic signals which helps them escape some predators that use ultrasonic signals for communication. Male American shad communicate to females to release their eggs by chasing and nudging the female's belly.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Coastal

Geographic Distribution

American Shad are native to the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the St. Lawrence River in the north, to areas of coastal central Florida in the south. During spawning season, American shad travel to the rivers of the United States, Canada, and Mexico to lay their eggs. American Shad were introduced to the North Pacific ocean in the 1800s.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

Threats & Impacts

Pollution and over fishing

How You Can Help

Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Support habitat conservation efforts
Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

Adult American shad darken in color on entering rivers to spawn, which helps them blend into their environment.

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