Alosa mediocris

Alosa mediocris
Hickory Shad – Alosa mediocris – Neuse
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
ClupeidaeAlosa mediocris(Mitchill)1814Hickory Shad

Unique CharactersUpper margin of lower jaw rises gradually.  Mouth superior with tip of lower jaw projecting slightly forward of upper jaw.  Usually 18-23 widely spaced gill rakers on first gill arch. Blue-black spot behind upper opercle followed series of dusky spots.  Cheek longer than or equal to its depth.

Similar Species:

Blueback Herring
Alosa aestivalis
Alewife
Alosa pseudoharengus

American Shad vs Blueback Herring Jaw
American Shad vs Blueback Herring Jaw

Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis and Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus. Upper margin of lower jaw rises sharply.

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