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American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

The American shad was once so abundant in Atlantic coast rivers that George Washington reportedly served it at Valley Forge to feed his troops. This herring-family fish makes spring spawning runs up East Coast rivers that were historically spectacular. The shad's roe (eggs) and smoked flesh are considered delicacies, and the spring shad run still draws anglers to rivers like the Delaware, Connecticut, and Columbia.

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Typical Size
18–24 inches (45–61 cm) typical
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Weight
3–6 lbs (1.4–2.7 kg) typical; record over 11 lbs (5 kg)
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Lifespan
5–9 years
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Water Type
Fresh & Salt

🗺️ Habitat

Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Florida; introduced to the Pacific coast. Anadromous — lives in the ocean but spawns in freshwater rivers in spring.

🔍 How to Identify American Shad

  • 1Silvery-green body typical of herring family
  • 2Row of dark spots along the shoulder behind the gill cover
  • 3Deeply forked tail
  • 4Serrated belly scutes (scales along belly forming a "saw edge")
  • 5No lateral line — smooth sides typical of herrings

🍽️ Diet

Primarily zooplankton in the ocean; minimally in freshwater during spawning runs

💡 Fun Facts About American Shad

  • ★George Washington considered shad fishing at Mount Vernon one of his favorite activities
  • ★American shad were described as "the most valuable river fish in North America" in the 1800s
  • ★Shad dams have been removed from many rivers to restore spawning migrations
  • ★The shad was the first fish ever to be successfully artificially propagated (1871)
  • ★Shad roe (eggs) is considered a springtime delicacy, especially in Philadelphia and the South

🛡️ Conservation Status

Least Concern overall, though many river populations are much reduced from historic levels

🔗 Related Species

Striped Bass

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Learn more:

How to Identify Fish: A Beginner's GuideMost Common Freshwater Fish in North America← Back to All Fish Species