Author: Regan, 1916
FBname: North African shad
Comments: This species undertakes anadromous breeding migrations from the sea, where it spends most of its life, into the freshwater sections of rivers; it can also live permanently in brackish water (Ref. 10538). Males migrate upriver at 3-4 years, females at 4-5 years; it starts entering rivers when temperatures reach 14-18°C, mainly in May, and spawning commences when temperature rises above 20°C in May and June (Ref. 59043). The spawners return downstream immediately after spawning, but many die after spawning; most juveniles migrate to river mouth in first summer and remain at sea until they mature (Ref. 10538, 59043). Spawning occurs close to estuaries in fresh and brackish water (Ref. 59043).
  In the marine and brackish water habitats, this shad consumes small fishes, such as species of <i>Engraulis</i>, <i>Sardina</i>, and <i>Sardinella</i>, and small benthic crustaceans, mainly isopods and amphipods (Ref. 10538).