The Twaite shad (Alosa fallax) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The twaite shad is a herring-like migratory fish of the family Clupeidae reaching about 60 cm. The slender, compressed body is silver with a blue-green back and bears a row of six to ten dark spots along the flank, distinguishing it from the closely related allis shad. The twaite shad is anadromous: it lives in coastal waters and river mouths of the north-eastern Atlantic and runs up rivers in schools in late spring to spawn. It feeds on zooplankton and small fish. Through dams and water pollution many spawning populations have declined, so the species is protected in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Twaite shad?
The Twaite shad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Twaite shad live?
The Twaite shad lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water.
How big does the Twaite shad get?
The Twaite shad grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Twaite shad dangerous to humans?
No, the Twaite shad is harmless to humans.
Is the Twaite shad edible?
The Twaite shad is rarely eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Alosa
More from the family Clupeidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.