American shad (Alosa sapidissima)Life HistoryShad are part of the herring family. They are large (females can weigh 12 pounds) but their bodies are slim, compressed vertically. They spawn at dusk in freshwater releasing their eggs directly into the river water. Juveniles grow near where they hatch and migrate to the ocean when temperatures drop in the fall. RangeNewfoundland to Florida Fun FactsShad may live to spawn more than once. More InformationVideo about the American shad life history American shad profile (pdf - 931KB) Back to Aquatic Species Profiles |
Last updated:
December 16, 2011
