Fin's Fish Guide
The Bloch's gizzard shad (Nematalosa nasus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
Bloch's gizzard shad is a herring-like fish of the family Clupeidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 27 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a blunt snout and an inferior mouth. As a euryhaline species it lives in estuaries and coastal areas and sometimes ascends rivers. As a filter feeder it sifts phytoplankton, detritus and small zooplankton from the water, which it processes with a muscular, gizzard-like stomach. It forms schools. Bloch's gizzard shad is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bloch's gizzard shad?
The Bloch's gizzard shad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Blunt snout and inferior mouth; muscular, gizzard-like stomach to process plankton and detritus.
Where does the Bloch's gizzard shad live?
The Bloch's gizzard shad lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific; estuaries and coastal areas, sometimes rivers.
How big does the Bloch's gizzard shad get?
The Bloch's gizzard shad grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Bloch's gizzard shad dangerous to humans?
No, the Bloch's gizzard shad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bloch's gizzard shad edible?
Yes, the Bloch's gizzard shad is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Nematalosa
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Bloch's gizzard shad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bloch's gizzard shad is one of 12,519 species in the app.