Alosa
Alosa is a genus of herring-like fish in the family Clupeidae. They are anadromous fish, meaning they live in saltwater but reproduce in freshwater. Alosa species are found in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. They are an important food source for humans and other animals.
Common Names
Alosa species are commonly called "shad" or "alewife." Some specific species have additional common names, such as:
- Alosa alosa: Allis shad, twaite shad
- Alosa sapidissima: American shad
- Alosa fallax: Twaite shad
- Alosa mediocris: Hickory shad
- Alosa pseudoharengus: Alewife
Characteristics
Alosa species are typically silvery in color with dark backs. They have a streamlined body shape, with a forked tail and a single dorsal fin. They have a distinctive lateral line that runs along the side of their body. They can grow to be up to 1 meter in length, depending on the species.
Environment
Alosa species are found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They typically spend their adult lives in the ocean, but they migrate to freshwater rivers to spawn. They are found in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers.