Alewife (fish)

Species of fish

The alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a species of anadromous fish in the herring family, Clupeidae. It is native to the North Atlantic Ocean and its tributaries, including the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Description

The alewife is a small, silvery fish with a laterally compressed body. It typically grows to about 10 to 12 inches in length. The fish has a single dorsal fin and a deeply forked tail. Its scales are large and easily shed. The alewife's mouth is terminal, and it has a distinctive dark spot behind its gill cover.

Distribution and habitat

Alewives are found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Newfoundland to North Carolina. They are also present in the Great Lakes and have been introduced to several inland lakes. Alewives are anadromous, meaning they migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers and lakes to spawn.

Life cycle

Alewives spawn in the spring, typically in rivers and streams. The female lays thousands of eggs, which are fertilized by the male. The eggs hatch into larvae, which drift downstream to estuaries and coastal waters. Juvenile alewives remain in these areas until they mature and return to freshwater to spawn.

Ecological role

Alewives play a significant role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They are a key prey species for many predators, including striped bass, bluefish, and osprey. Alewives also contribute to nutrient cycling in freshwater and marine environments.

Human interactions

Alewives have been used as bait fish and for human consumption. They are also important in commercial and recreational fisheries. However, their populations have been affected by overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to migration such as dams.

Conservation

Efforts to conserve alewife populations include habitat restoration, dam removal, and the establishment of fish passage facilities. These measures aim to improve spawning success and increase population numbers.

Related pages

• Herring
• Anadromous fish
• Great Lakes
• Fish migration

Gallery

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  Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)

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  Alewife

Alewife (fish)

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