204 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



Color as in Alosa sapidissima; the caudal, dorsal, and pectoral fins 

 rather darker tipped. 



The male differs from the female only in being somewhat more slender. 



This species differs from Alosa sapidissima chiefly in the fewer gill- 

 rakers, its sharper, more pointed snout, smaller notch in upper jaw, 

 more i^rojecting mandible, and more slender maxillary. It seems to 

 reach maturity at a much smaller size than the common shad. 



The difference in the number of gillrakers is remarkable, and, with 

 the other differences, shows clearly that the Alabama shad is a perfectly 

 distinct species. 



In 1882, Dr. Jordan collected a number of young shad at Pensacola, 

 ria., and believing them to be new, sent a description of the supposed 

 new species to the National Museum. The manuscript was subse- 

 quently withdrawn and has never been published, though he has never 

 had much doubt as to the distinctness of the species. 



An examination of the Pensacola specimens, now in the National 

 Museum, shows them to be identical with those from Black Warrior 

 Eiver. 



This is undoubtedly the native shad of the Gulf of Mexico and 

 tributary streams, though it is probably less abundant in those waters 

 than Alosa sapidissima, which has been extensively introduced thereby 

 the United States Fish Commission. 



While studying the specimens of the Alabama shad, a large number 

 of shad from the Atlantic coast streams were examined. 



The following table shows the number of gillrakers in the various 

 specimens examined: 



Table showing number of gillrakers xn shad from different ivaters. 



