Alosa vistonica Alosa vistonica Alosa vistonica is a species of shad, a freshwater fish in the Clupeidae family. It is endemic to a single shallow lake, Lake Vistonida in Greece. It is classified as critically endangered (CR) and is threatened by sewage, industrial effluents, destruction of spawning sites by agricultural development and increased salinity following the opening of a canal into the sea. It has been suspected to be extinct already. "A. vistonica" reaches a maximum length of 17 cm (SL). It is distinguished from other members of its genus entering freshwater of the Mediterranean basin by having 78-97 gill rakers and
Herring as food the cancer-causing effect of PCBs and dioxins. The contaminant levels depend on the age of the fish which can be inferred from their size. Baltic herrings larger than 17 cm may be eaten twice a month, while herrings smaller than 17 cm can be eaten freely. Mercury in fish also influences the amount of fish that women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant within the next one or two years may safely eat. Herring has been a staple food source since at least 3000 B.C. There are numerous ways the fish is served and many regional recipes: eaten