Shad

shad fish of the genus Alosa in the herring family, normally live in the sea but ascend rivers in the spring to spawn; and that is when they are caught and are at their best for eating.

The most famous species is the American shad, A. sapidissima. This abundant species was originally a poor people’s food on the eastern seaboard but later achieved the status of a delicacy, as did its roe. Weaver (1982) has described the change in Philadelphia, where it was most noticeable. During the 19th century this shad was introduced to the Pacific coast. Its close relations in America include Pomolobus mediocris, the hickory shad.