Family Clupeidae - herrings
The herring family is very important to commercial fishers and the oceanic
food web. Herring once caught are processed by pickling, smoking, canning or
salting. Although most species are marine, some spawn in fresh water and others
only occur in fresh water. This widely distributed family can be found in all
seas except the Arctic and Antarctic.
American shad- Alosa
sapidissima
Remarks: This is the largest
herring of the Pacific; introduced to the west coast during the late 1800s.
Anadromous in nature and forms large schools especially when migrating. Although
it is never found in abundance within the bay and does not migrate up bay
tributaries.
Identification: Unmistakable by itÍs bright
silver coloration and deep body form. There is a row of strong sharp scutes
along the belly. A line of spots from the top edge of the gill cover to the end
of the dorsal fin adding to the uniqueness of this
fish.
Range: Alaska to southern California; making strong
runs into the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems.
Pacific herring- Clupea harengus pallasii
Remarks: This was one of
the last fish to become commercially important but has remained valuable. First
taken in the bay as an experimental catch which proved excellent smoked. Soon
large catches of herring were made and became an important export. Today the
herring is still fished but most recently for itÍs highly desirable roe. The
fish are caught for their roe in the winter months when they come into the bay
to spawn on the eel grass beds. Timing is most important in this fishery because
the fish must be caught when they are in thick schools and laden with
eggs.
Identification: Spots are absent on this herring and
it is bluish above with silvery sides leading to a paler belly. Body is elongate
and compressed side to side. May reach a length of
46cm.
Range: Common in coastal zones but forms larger
schools in the offshore zones from Alaskan waters to northern Baja.
Threadfin shad- Dorosoma
pentenense
Remarks: This herring-like the
American shad was introduced into California in the 1950s primarily as a forage
fish in reservoirs. Seldom seen in the bay but its occurrence may increase as
itÍs range expands.
Identification: Distinct by having a
very compressed body with a long trailing dorsal fin ray. A single spot behind
the upper edge of the gill operculum and an overall silver color make this fish
identifiable.
Range: While it mostly inhabits freshwater
environments the threadfin shad is found in many bays and estuaries throughout
California and Oregon.