Alabama Shad 



line dividing the colour of the back from that of the side, these evident 

 when the scales are off; axil dusky. The shad reaches a length of 2 

 to 2| feet, though the average weight is less than 4 pounds. 



Alabama Shad 



Alosa alabanicB Jordan & Evermann 



In the Black Warrior River of Alabama, about Pensacola, and 

 doubtless in other rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, is found a 

 species of shad resembling the common shad but differing from it in 

 not having nearly so many gillrakers, in having a sharper, more 

 pointed snout, smaller notch in the upper jaw, more projecting 

 mandible, and more slender maxillary. It also reaches maturity at a 

 considerably smaller size than the common shad, the various examples 

 seen measuring only 15 inches each in total length. 



Nothing is known of its habits except that it appears at Tusca- 

 loosa, Alabama, in limited numbers early in April, and that the young 

 have been seen in salt water at Pensacola. 



GENUS BREVOORTIA GILL 

 The Menhadens 



Body elliptical, compressed, deepest anteriorly, tapering behind; 

 head very large; cheek deeper than long; mouth large, the lower 

 jaw included; no teeth; gillrakers very long and slender, densely 

 set, appearing to fill the mouth when it is opened; scales deeper 



108 



