Gizzard shad
Dorosoma cepedianum
Summary 2
Family: Clupeidae
Gizzard shad(Dorosoma cepedianum) live along the shores of the big lakes, bays, or larger rivers. Feed on plankton or smaller organisms near the bottom sediment. Shad are at the northern extent of their range, although they are spreading northward as the Great Lakes warm up. Not uncommon for many to die when temperatures drop suddenly during the winter.
How to recognize: Thin body that is moderately rounded when seen from the side. Serrations along the belly look like a saw’s teeth. Dark blotch behind the head. Has a filament extending from the fin on the back. Does NOT have an elongated scale above the fin along the belly. Mouth is moderately downturned. Up to 1½ feet /0.4 meters long.
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