Description and characteristics
The Black Sea shad (Clupeonella cultriventris) is a small, elongated fish with a laterally compressed body and silvery scales. It has a characteristic serrated ventral keel and resembles a spratt.
Habitat and distribution
It inhabits the brackish and fresh waters of the Danube Delta — limans, branches and estuarine areas, living in large schools near the surface.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on plankton and small crustaceans, itself being an important food source for predatory fish. It forms numerous shoals.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in spring, with females laying pelagic eggs. The fry grow quickly and mature within the first year.
Economic and ecological importance
It has an important ecological role as a trophic link, feeding predators. Locally, it is caught for food or bait.
Threats and conservation
It is influenced by pollution and alteration of estuarine habitats. Thanks to its short life cycle, stocks can regenerate relatively quickly.
Fishing and legal minimum size
It is fished with fine nets. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the Black Sea shad (Clupeonella cultriventris) has a minimum legal size of 7 cm.
Conclusion
The Black Sea shad is a small, numerous fish, essential for the food webs of the Danube Delta waters.