The dotted gizzard shad is a silver fish native to East Asian coasts, where it gathers in schools in bays and estuaries. It has a dark spot behind its gills and a threadlike tip on its dorsal fin.
Appearance
Appearance
It has a flattened silver body, a dark spot behind the gill opening, and rows of smaller dark spots on its back. Adults can reach about 13 in (32 cm).
Where it lives
Typical habitats
coastal bays
estuaries
Range
It lives in the western Pacific around Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
Behavior
Diet
In Japanese bays, it eats tiny drifting plankton, including microscopic algae.
Social life
It gathers in schools in bays and coastal waters.
Life cycle
Breeding season
In Japan’s Ariake Sound, spawning takes place in April and May.