Time of Appearance: April-May

Adults average 10 to 14 inches in length and weigh less than a pound. Although they look similar to other small herring, their large eyes and deep body easily identify them. Alewives have a short jaw that juts out when the mouth is closed.

Spawning occurs in early spring when large schools of alewives move into tidal waters from the ocean. These spawning runs begin slowly with only a few fish at a time migrating in. As more fish arrive, they remain along the shore in the main rivers. Spawning fish can often be seen swirling about in small groups. Check out the tidal section of Carmans River around Sunrise Highway.

Young alewives are often hard to find, as they hide in weedy beds and deep water during the day. Like shad, as fall approaches they leave the estuary and migrate out to the ocean.

Coloration: Greenish blue on top violet, yellowish shiney sides and pearlescent bottom.