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The Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax) is a member of the herring family which enters rivers in spring to spawn.

Twaite

Twaite shad caught in 1957

It is commoner than the Allis shad, and has smaller and fewer gill rakers. It also usually has several dark spots in a row on the sides.

It is now a protected species, and should be returned to the water immediately should it be captured by accident. Please note that shad are very lively, and also shed scales easily. These two factors together mean the fish should be unhooked in the water if at all possible.

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