Deep compressed body that tapers to a forked tail. Back appears silver-blue/green which fades to silver-white at belly. Large dark spot behind gill plate. Single dorsal fin; last dorsal ray filamentous; Head small, with terminal mouth and blunt snout.
Average Maximum Size:
51 cm ( 20 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The body of the Gizzard Shad is distinctly robust and deep when compared to relatives such as the American Shad, Hickory Shad, Atlantic Thread Herring, and Blueback Herring. The Atlantic Menhaden which also exhibits a deep body akin to the Gizzard Shad can be discerned by its lack of a trailing dorsal ray filament, proportionally larger head, and absence of a snout protruding beyond its lower jaw.
