Species: Alosa aestivalis, Blueback Herring, Blueback Shad

Alosa aestivalis (Mitchill, 1814)

Blueback Herring, Blueback Shad

Relatively deep bodied, moderately compressed; snout longer than eye; upper jaw with a distinct central notch into which the lower jaw fits; upper edge of lower jaw rising steeply within mouth; minute jaw teeth at front that disappear with age; 41-51 slender lower gill rakers, upper rakers long, folding down over lower ones; gill rakers on rear surface of upper part of 3rd gill arch; dorsal fin at about mid-body; pelvic fins (i, 8) below dorsal fin; anal fin short and well behind dorsal fin base; a forked tail fin; all of centerline of belly with keel of scutes (hard, spiny scales); no scutes before dorsal fin; scales smooth, well attached.

Upper back distinctly blue, sometimes with dusky lines in adults, shading to silver below; a dark spot behind gill cover of adults; fins yellow to green; lining of gut cavity black.

Reaches 47 cm.

Coastal pelagic, enters freshwater and brackish water to spawn.

Depth range: 0-5 m.

Canada to Florida.