Fin's Fish Guide
The Twaite shad (Alosa fallax) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea; anadromous, spawns in rivers of Western Europe.
Description
The twaite shad is a herring-like migratory fish of the family Clupeidae reaching about 60 cm. The slender, compressed body is silver with a blue-green back and bears a row of six to ten dark spots along the flank, distinguishing it from the closely related allis shad. The twaite shad is anadromous: it lives in coastal waters and river mouths of the north-eastern Atlantic and runs up rivers in schools in late spring to spawn. It feeds on zooplankton and small fish. Through dams and water pollution many spawning populations have declined, so the species is protected in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Twaite shad?
The Twaite shad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Herring-like migratory fish with a row of six to ten dark blotches along the flank; runs up the rivers from the sea to spawn.
Where does the Twaite shad live?
The Twaite shad lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea; anadromous, spawns in rivers of Western Europe.
How big does the Twaite shad get?
The Twaite shad grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Twaite shad dangerous to humans?
No, the Twaite shad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Twaite shad edible?
The Twaite shad is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Twaite shad and live in the same waters.
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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 Twaite shad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Twaite shad is one of 12,519 species in the app.