From SRAC # 141 and 140 edited from http://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm?catid=4

This may help a little to see if there is a problem or if they are just hiding and late.


Threadfin shad

(Dorosoma petenense)

Range

The threadfin shad is a member of the herring family and ranges from Florida to Mexico and northward. Introductions of threadfin shad as a
supplemental forage species have greatly increased its range. The threadfin is susceptible to winterkill at water temperatures of 42� F, limiting its range northward.

Description

The threadfin shad appears to be an excellent forage fish because it is short lived, grows only to a maximum size of 7-8 inches and schools
in large numbers.

Life history

A pelagic (open water) schooling species often stocked as a supplemental forage, threadfins spawn in the spring and early summer with
a secondary spawn often occurring in the early fall. Spawning usually occurs early in the morning on available vegetation. The eggs adhere to submerged and floating objects. Females lay from 2,000 to 24,000 eggs.

The young and adults feed on a variety of planktonic organisms and organic debris. Many researchers believe that threadfin shad often
compete for plankton with young-of the-year predator species, especially largemouth bass. Life expectancy seldom exceeds 2 to 3 years.

Following fertilization, adult threadfin shad (2 1/2 inches and larger) arc stocked at the rate of 100-200/surface acre. Threadfin begin spawning
when water temperatures reach 65� to 70� F with peak spawning occurring at 75� F. Spawning has been documented from April to mid-September. Early fall spawners are typically fry that were hatched during spring spawning. Spawning mortality of adults maybe responsible for the short (1 to 2 years) life span. Spawning occurs along the shoreline on submerged vegetation. Spawning habitat such as broken hay bales (6- inch layers) or Spanish moss mats should be provided. Spawning activity usually occurs around daylight. Several fish farmers have successfully transported the eggs (attached to the spawning surface) to clean fertilized ponds for grow-out purposes. The fertilized eggs normally hatch in 3 to 5 days at 70� to 80� F. preferred, success has been achieved with this method during the summer months.