| Description: color
of back green or greenish blue with silvery sides, white
underneath (colors darken when fish enters fresh water to
spawn); belly with scutes forming distinct keel; one or
more dark spots in a row behind operculum; lower jaw with
pointed tip that fits into v-shaped notch in upper jaw. Similar Fish: other species
of Alosa (shad and herring) and Brevoortia
(menhaden). Menhaden, which are often referred to as
"shad," have a rounder lower jaw tip. American
shad is an east coast species replaced on the Panhandle
coast by Alabama shad.
Where found:
OFFSHORE except during late winter spawning run into east
coast rivers, notably the St. Johns River.
Size: most catches
2 to 3 pounds; common to 5 pounds.
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