Gizzard Shad
Shad, Hickory Shad, Skipjack
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Scientific Name:
Dorosoma cepedianum Freshwater
Native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Silvery blue in color with large dark spot on the upper body just past the gill cover. Blunt snout with a downward pointing mouth. Upper jaw extends beyond lower jaw. Long dorsal ray that extends toward caudal fin. Grow to 1 to 2 pounds and 10 to 12 inches long. Simliar in apparence to the threadfin shad but larger and lacks yellow caudal fin.
Range and Habitat
Found throughout the Mississippi River drainage basin in most freshwater systems and in brackish and saltwater marshes and bays along the Gulf coast.
Behavior
Filter feed on plankton in large schools. Fast-growing and prolific spawers from May through August. Primary primary forage fish for many species of salt and freshwater gamefish.