Alosa tanaica

Alosa tanaica is a species of fish in the family Clupeidae, commonly known as the Caspian shad. It is native to the Caspian Sea and Black Sea basins, and is an important commercial fish in these regions.

Taxonomy

The Caspian shad was first described by the Russian zoologist Nikolai Alekseevich Borodin in 1904. It is a member of the genus Alosa, which includes several other species of shad.

Description

Alosa tanaica is a medium-sized fish, typically reaching a length of 30-40 cm. It has a silvery body with a bluish-green back and a deeply forked tail. The lower jaw protrudes slightly beyond the upper jaw, a characteristic feature of the species.

Distribution and habitat

The Caspian shad is found in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea basins. It is a pelagic fish, living in open water rather than near the bottom or the shore. It prefers brackish or saltwater environments, but can also be found in freshwater.

Diet

Alosa tanaica feeds primarily on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae. It is a filter feeder, using its gill rakers to strain food particles from the water.

Reproduction

The Caspian shad is an anadromous species, meaning it migrates from the sea into freshwater rivers to spawn. Spawning usually occurs in the spring and early summer.

Economic importance

Alosa tanaica is an important commercial fish in the Caspian and Black Sea regions. It is caught for its meat, which is considered a delicacy, and for its roe, which is used to make caviar.

Conservation status

The Caspian shad is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose potential threats to the species.

See also

• List of fish in the Black Sea
• List of fish in the Caspian Sea