Alosa saposchnikowii, Alosa caspi, Alosa sphaerocephala - a group of fish, similar in appearance, belonging to the genus Alosa. Body length 14-28 cm, sometimes up to 35. Includes 3 species. Feed on plankton and small fish. Marine and freshwater fish. Semi-passable and passable forms. Live up to 6-10 years. Spawning in the spring and summer. Spawn semi-pelagic. Valuable object of fishery.

Pelagic fish, feed on plankton or fish. They differ from other herring of the genus Alosa by small size (body length usually up to 25 cm, weighing up to 150-200 g), high body, large head. They have a broad body strongly compressed from sides, the contour of the belly is arched. The lower jaw with a barely noticeable tubercle in the middle is almost not protruding forward. Characterized by high fat content and good taste. Stocks of these fish are declining.