Species: Alosa aestivalis, Blueback herring, Blueback shad

Alosa aestivalis (Mitchill, 1814)

Blueback shad, Blueback herring

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.