Twait shad are silvery, sometimes with a bronzy tinge, and there are a distinctive row of six to ten large dark spot just behind the gill cover though these may fade when the fish is dead. The adult length is typically . The twait shad is found in most of Europe and all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. "Alosa fallax" has a similar lifecycle to "A. alosa" (allis shad). They are known to live in sympatry. Some studies have suggested "A. fallax" and "A. alosa" species can hybridize. They are anadromous species, like many other species in the genus "Alosa". However, some
Herring to dwell in deeper waters. Predators of herring include seabirds, marine mammals such as dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals, and sea lions, predatory fish such as sharks, billfish, tuna, salmon, striped bass, cod, and halibut. Fishermen also catch and eat herring. The predators often cooperate in groups, using different techniques to panic or herd a school of herring into a tight bait ball. Different predators species then use different techniques to pick the fish off in the bait ball. The sailfish raises its sail to make it appear much larger. Swordfish charge at high speed through the bait balls, slashing with