Life History
The spawning season for Skipjack shad is from early March to late April in the southern extent of its range (Wolfe 1969). In the upper Mississippi river drainage spawning time is from early May to early July (Coker 1930). Females produce about 100,000 to 300,000 eggs per year, presumably after 2 to 3 years of growth with an average size being 11.8 inches (30 cm) (Etnier and Starnes 1993). Spawning is thought to occur in the depths of main channel over coarse sand-gravel bars (Wolfe 1969). Spawning temperature range is between 16 and 21 °C (61 and 70 °F). Eggs are broadcast over the substrate (Galat and Clark, 2002). Skipjack shad young may reach total lengths of 75–150 millimetres (3.0–5.9 in) during their first year (Etnier and Starnes 1993). The maximum length in adults is 20 inches, but they are most commonly found to be between 12 and 18 inches (300 and 460 mm) (Whitehead). The oldest specimen of Skipjack shad reported was four years old (Wolfe 1969). High population rates and the fact that there it has little to no interest to fisheries tells us that humans do not have much influence on life history. Impoundments have changed their distribution slightly, but they have no trouble spawning as a result.
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