Shad
Shad
Shad (/ʃæd/), from the Old English sceadd, is a common name for several species of fish, particularly those of the genus Alosa. Shad are members of the herring family, Clupeidae, and are native to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Etymology
The term "shad" comes from the Old English sceadd, but further etymological origins are unclear. It is possibly related to the Old Norse skaddr, meaning "scattered" or "dispersed", which could refer to the shad's spawning behavior.
Species
There are several species of shad, including:
- American shad (Alosa sapidissima)
- Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris)
- Alabama shad (Alosa alabamae)
- Allis shad (Alosa alosa)
- Twaite shad (Alosa fallax)
Life Cycle
Shad are anadromous, meaning they live in the ocean but return to freshwater rivers to spawn. After hatching, the young shad spend their first year in the river before migrating to the sea.
Diet
Shad primarily feed on plankton, but will also eat small fish and invertebrates.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shad
- Wikipedia's article - Shad
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