Author: (Mitchill, 1814)
FBname: Hickory shad
Comments: In freshwater habitat, this species occurs in open water of large rivers (Ref. 86798).  Schools of adults are found in marine waters, along the coast; also estuaries, tidal rivers and tributaries during late spring and early summer (Ref. 4639).  Juveniles tend to leave nursery areas during summer (Ref. 4639).  Feeds on small fishes, also squid, small crabs and other crustaceans, as well as fish eggs.  Spawn in tidal freshwater (Patuxent River, Chesapeake Bay in May) (Ref. 188), and return to the sea shortly after (Ref. 4639).  Parasites found are nematodes, cestodes and trematodes (Ref. 37032).