Fin's Fish Guide
The Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 39 cm.
Basins of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; an anadromous migratory fish that grows up at sea and in spring ascends the large rivers such as the Danube and Dnieper to spawn in fresh water.
Description
The Pontic shad is a herring-like migratory fish of the family Clupeidae reaching about 39 cm. The silvery, laterally compressed body has a bluish back and a saw-edged belly keel of scutes, characteristic of the herrings. The species is anadromous: it grows up at sea in the Black and Azov Sea basins and in spring ascends the great rivers such as the Danube and Dnieper in schools to spawn in fresh water. At sea it hunts small schooling fish and crustaceans. Through overfishing, river barriers and habitat loss the species has declined and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU); the spawning migration is strictly regulated.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pontic shad?
The Pontic shad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Herring-like migratory fish with a silvery, laterally flattened body and a serrated ventral keel; runs up the large rivers to spawn.
Where does the Pontic shad live?
The Pontic shad lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Basins of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; an anadromous migratory fish that grows up at sea and in spring ascends the large rivers such as the Danube and Dnieper to spawn in fresh water.
How big does the Pontic shad get?
The Pontic shad grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.
Is the Pontic shad dangerous to humans?
No, the Pontic shad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pontic shad edible?
Yes, the Pontic shad is commonly eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Pontic shad?
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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 Pontic shad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pontic shad is one of 12,519 species in the app.