Physical 

The alewife is part of a group collectively known as “river herring”. Alewife have grey-green backs, silver sides and belly, and a black spot behind the eye. They grow to an average length of 10 in (25 cm), though inland populations tend to be smaller. They are often confused with blueback (Alosa aestivalis), who are very similar in appearance.

Habitat

Their native range covers South Carolina up to Labrador in Canada. Adults live in the open ocean, but they have also been introduced to inland waterways, including the Great Lakes via the Erie Canal.

Feeding 

Their diet consists mostly of zooplankton, crustaceans, insects, and occasionally other fishes.