Diagnosis: Body somewhat compressed, fairly deep with depth at pectoral fin more than head length, scutes apparent along belly (Ref. 188, 51442). Upper jaw notched, lower jaw fitting into it; no teeth on vomer; gillrakers long, thin and numerous, a total of 85 to 130, longer than gill filaments (Ref. 188). A dark spot posterior to gill opening, but sometimes absent, occasionally 1 or 2 more spots (Ref. 188). Alosa alosa resembles Alosa fallax, which has fewer and shorter gillrakers and 7 or 8 black spots along flank (Ref. 188).

Description: Gillrakers long, thin and numerous, a total of 85 to 130, longer than gill filaments; 55-85 gillrakers on lower part of anterior arch (Ref. 188, 11601). Number of dorsal fin rays 18 to 21; number of anal fin rays 22 to 27 (Ref. 11601). Large, thin scales; 70-86 scales in a longitudinal and 22-26 in a transverse series (Ref. 11601, 51442, 52923). Presence of abdominal scutes (Ref. 51442).

Colouration: Deep blue dorsally, becoming greenish brown or golden on the sides and silvery ventrally; a single dusky spot before the gill opening (sometimes absent) and occasionally 1-6 more dusky spots behind it (Ref. 188, 52923, 88187).