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
Fish as food "fiscas") which was pronounced as it is today. English also has the term seafood, which covers fish found in the seas and oceans as well as other marine life used as food. Over 32,000 species of fish have been described, making them the most diverse group of vertebrates. In addition, there are many species of shellfish. However, only a small number of species are commonly eaten by humans. Fish can be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be uncooked (raw) ("e.g.," sashimi). It can be cured by marinating ("e.g.," ceviche), pickling ("e.g.," pickled herring), or smoking ("e.g.," smoked