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Alabama Shad
In the Black Warrior River of Alabama, about Pensacola, and doubtless in other rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, is found a species of shad resembling the common shad but differing from it in not having nearly so many gillrakers, in having a sharper, more pointed snout, smaller notch in the upper jaw, more projecting mandible, and more slender maxillary. It also reaches maturity at a considerably smaller size than the common shad, the various examples seen measuring only 15 inches each in total length.
Nothing is known of its habits except that it appears at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in limited numbers early in April, and that the young have been seen in salt water at Pensacola.
GENUS BREVOORTIA GILL
The Menhadens
Body elliptical, compressed, deepest anteriorly, tapering behind; head very large; cheek deeper than long; mouth large, the lower jaw included; no teeth; gillrakers very long and slender, densely set, appearing to fill the mouth when it is opened; scales deeper than long, closely imbricated, their exposed edges vertical and fluted or pectinated; dorsal fin low, rather posterior; anal fin small; intestine long; peritoneum dusky.
This genus contains only a few species, all inhabiting the Atlantic, and probably spawning in brackish water in the spring. They are coarse, herbivorous fishes, not greatly valued as food, but having several other very important uses.