Fin's Fish Guide
The Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Fresh and brackish water of southern North America and Central America, in rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Description
The threadfin shad is a laterally compressed herring of the family Dorosomatidae reaching about 33 cm but usually smaller. The silvery body has a bluish back, a dark shoulder spot and a strikingly long, threadlike last ray of the dorsal fin, which gives the species its name; the inferior mouth suits filtering plankton. The species forms enormous schools in fresh and brackish water of the southern United States and Central America and filters animal and plant plankton. Through its great numbers it is a key prey fish for predators and waterbirds and is widely stocked as a forage fish in reservoirs. For anglers it is a much-used bait fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Threadfin shad?
The Threadfin shad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Laterally flattened herring-like fish with a dark shoulder blotch and a long, thread-like last dorsal fin ray.
Where does the Threadfin shad live?
The Threadfin shad lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh and brackish water of southern North America and Central America, in rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
How big does the Threadfin shad get?
The Threadfin shad grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Threadfin shad dangerous to humans?
No, the Threadfin shad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Threadfin shad edible?
The Threadfin shad is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Dorosoma
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Threadfin shad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threadfin shad is one of 12,519 species in the app.