Description and characteristics
The Pontic shad (Alosa pontica) is a medium-sized clupeid with a laterally compressed body, silvery scales and a grey-blue back. It has the serrated scutes on the ventral part characteristic of clupeids.
Habitat and distribution
It is an anadromous species that lives in the Black Sea and ascends the Danube in spring, through the estuary of the Delta, to the spawning areas in fresh water.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on small fish, crustaceans and plankton. As a pelagic schooling species, it migrates seasonally between salt and fresh waters.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in spring in fresh water at 12–18°C, with females laying pelagic eggs. After spawning, adults return to the sea.
Economic and ecological importance
It has great economic value, being caught during the ascent of the Danube. Ecologically, it links marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Threats and conservation
It is affected by dams that block migration and by intensive fishing during the ascent. Protection of migration routes is essential.
Fishing and legal minimum size
It is an important catch for Delta fishermen. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the Pontic shad (Alosa pontica) has a minimum legal size of 22 cm.
Conclusion
The Pontic shad is an emblematic migratory clupeid, important for fishing and the ecological connectivity between sea and the Danube.