Skipjack shad (Alosa chrysochloris) is a saltwater, freshwater, brackish species recorded in the United States.
Scientific name: Alosa chrysochloris · Water: Saltwater, Freshwater, Brackish
Size: up to 50 cm
The skipjack shad is a pelagic alosid of coastal marine waters that enters brackish and fresh water, and it is strongly migratory within rivers, mostly in fast-flowing water, where it is known for leaping. It feeds on small fishes, the juveniles on insects, and its spawning times and places are not certain. It is a host to the larvae of the pearly mussel Fusconaia ebena. Maximum length is about 50 cm standard length, commonly about 37 cm, and it can live four years. It is a minor commercial species and a gamefish. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 50 of 100 and resilience medium, and the price category is low. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Back to home · United States · Species library