Fin's Fish Guide
The Agone (Alosa agone) is a freshwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 43 cm.
Description
The agone is a herring relative found in the large lakes of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, such as Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, and introduced to several lakes of central Italy. It grows to about 43 cm and has a slender, silvery, laterally compressed body with an almost straight dorsal profile and numerous thin gill rakers. Unlike most shads, this population is resident in fresh water and does not migrate to the sea. The fish hunts in open water for water fleas, copepods and small fish and spawns in summer. It is a valued food fish; the IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Agone?
The Agone has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Freshwater-living, non-migratory twaite shad population; numerous fine gill rakers
Where does the Agone live?
The Agone lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Northern Italy and southern Switzerland (Alpine lakes)
How big does the Agone get?
The Agone grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.
Is the Agone dangerous to humans?
No, the Agone is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Agone edible?
Yes, the Agone is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Agone?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Agone is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Alosa
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Agone?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Agone is one of 12,519 species in the app.