Overview
Amateur ichthyologists can run a finger underneath the mouth forward, and if the fingernail catches on the upper jaw and opens the mouth, in most cases the fish is a gizzard rather than a threadfin shad. The anal fin usually has 29-35 rays, as opposed to 20-25 rays found in threadfin shad. The upper surface is silvery blue, and grades to nearly white on the sides and belly.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Gadiformes
- Family
- Clupeidae
- Genus
- Dorosoma
- Species
- cepedianum
Habitat
Gizzard shad are most abundant in large rivers and reservoirs, avoiding high gradient streams. In Texas, gizzard shad are found in all major streams and reservoirs.
Diet
Gizzard shad are planktivorous. Young feed on microscopic animals and plants, as well as small insect larvae.
Behavior
The species is most often found in large schools. The common name skipjack is derived from the fact that individuals within a school may often be observed leaping out of the water or skipping along the surface on their sides. Spawning generally takes place in late spring, usually in shallow protected water. Eggs and milt are released in the school, seemingly without regard for individual mates. Adhesive eggs attach to submerged objects and hatch in about 4 days. Although adult shad are moderately deep-bodied, fry are extremely slender and delicate looking until they reach about 1.25 inches in length. Adults feed by filtering small food items from the water using their long, close-set gill rakes. Gizzard shad feed mainly during the day, with minimal activity at night
Fishing
The American shad is highly regarded by some as a game fish and its white, flaky flesh supports a considerable commercial fishery. The roe is esteemed by some as a substitute caviar.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.