Alosa maeotica (Grimm, 1901)

Alosa maeotica View in CoL View Figure

Common name. Azov shad.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa entering freshwater in Black Sea basin by: ● 29–39 gill rakers, about as long as branchial filaments / ○ teeth on palatine and vomer well developed. Size up to 280 mm SL.

Distribution View Figure . Black Sea and Sea of Azov, from where adults enter coastal lagoons to spawn.

Habitat. At sea, pelagic in deep waters, entering brackish lagoons to spawn.

Biology. Spawns first time at 2 years. Many individuals spawn in 2–4 seasons. In Romania, spawners enter Lake Razelm at about 7°C in March. Spawning begins at about 15°C in late April–June. Eggs sink to bottom. Spent fish return to sea to feed. In autumn, migrates to southern Black Sea to overwinter. Juveniles migrate to sea or remain in estuaries during first summer. Feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans.

Conservation status. LC; still common in coastal lagoons.

Further reading. Kolarov 1991a (biology).