Killarney shad

Scientific name: Alosa fallax killarnensis (Regan, 1916)
Family: Clupeidae
Order: Clupeiformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Irish name: Sead fhallacsach Chill Airne; gabhairíní;
Native species: Yes;
Irish record angling fish: None
Hybrids: No

Identifying features

This is a dwarf version of a related species, the Twaite shad, it has 43-53 gill rakers on the branchial arch.  Adult fish can range from 18-22 cm¹³.

Notes

Relatives of the Killarney shad, the Twaite shad and Allis shad are anadromous species and are also at risk in Irish waters; both species live in the sea, but spawn in freshwaters².

Environment and Habitat

Freshwater; confined to Lough Leane, Killarney, Ireland; this is a lake-locked relative of the Twaite shad and Allis shad; spawning occurs in graveled areas within the lake¹²;

European distribution

Only found in one lake in Ireland, Lough Leane.

Economic value in Ireland

No commercial value; angling fish; significant heritage value

Red list status

Critically endangered; however, a recent National Parks and Wildlife report with contributions from the Central Fisheries Board, assigned a good conservation status for the Killarney shad as the population is thriving and the water quality of the lake is improving ¹².

Irish legislation status

Unprotected.

EU legislation status

Protected by Annex II and V of the European Habitats Directive