[tlapinski]

Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
Identification: long, whiplike last dorsal ray. Blunt snout; distinctly subterminal mouth; deep notch at center of upper jay. No scales on nape. Dorsal fin origin above or behind pelvic fin origin. Large purple-blue spot near upper edge of gill cover in young and small adult; faint or absent in large adult. Silver-blue above, grading to siver-white side, often with blue and green reflections on head and body; 6-8 stripes on back and upper side; dusky fins; no black specks on chin or floor of mouth. 52-70 lateral scales; 10-13 dorsal rays; 25-36 anal rays. To 20.25 in. (52 cm).

Range: St. Lawrence-Great Lakes, Mississippi, Atlantic, and Gulf drainages from QU to cen. ND and NM, and south to central Florida and Mexico. Introduced outside native range. Common. Habitat: Most common in deep, openwater of medium to large rivers, lakes, and impoundments; often ascends creeks and small rivers with well-developed pools. Commonly enters brackish water.

Gizzard Shad Info