Fin's Fish Guide
The Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of North America; migrates up rivers to spawn and has also established itself in the fresh water of the Great Lakes.
Description
The alewife is a strongly laterally compressed herring of the family Clupeidae reaching about 40 cm. The silvery body has a blue-green back, a sawtoothed belly edge and a dark shoulder spot behind the gill. The species is anadromous: it lives in the northwest Atlantic and migrates upriver in large schools in spring to spawn; in addition, landlocked freshwater populations exist in the Great Lakes. It filters zooplankton, fish larvae and small crustaceans from the water. Through its enormous numbers it is an important prey fish for predators and seabirds and is much used as bait and for fishmeal.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Alewife?
The Alewife has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strongly laterally flattened herring-like fish with a serrated belly edge and a dark shoulder blotch; migrates from the sea up the rivers to spawn.
Where does the Alewife live?
The Alewife lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of North America; migrates up rivers to spawn and has also established itself in the fresh water of the Great Lakes.
How big does the Alewife get?
The Alewife grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Alewife dangerous to humans?
No, the Alewife is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Alewife edible?
The Alewife is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Alewife?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alewife 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 Alewife?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Alewife is one of 12,519 species in the app.