Compressed elliptical-shaped body deep at belly that tapers to a forked tail. Singular dark spot behind gill plates, with multiple less prominent dark spots speckling the upper back under a single dorsal fin. Silvery body, upper half of body may be blue, gray, or olive green in color, fades to white near belly.
Average Maximum Size:
35 cm (14 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Compared to the Atlantic Menhaden's approximately six rows of smaller body spots, the American Shad possesses fewer (one or two rows) of smaller body spots behind its larger spot. Unlike the Atlantic Menhaden the lower jaw of the Hickory Shad prominently juts forward and the body is not markedly deep.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Nova Scotia to Florida
Habitat:
Found in coastal salt and brackish waters. Migrate inshore during warm months and offshore to deeper waters during cold months.
