How to Identify Atlantic Menhaden

To identify Atlantic Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery sides with a dark, bluish-green back. Often has a distinct dark spot behind the operculum (gill cover), followed by several smaller, less distinct spots arranged in rows.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Deep, compressed body, Large, deeply forked caudal fin, Large head with a small, inferior mouth, Prominent dark spot behind the operculum, Rough, serrated scales along the belly (scutes)

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, relatively short, located mid-body.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Small, low-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin is long and low.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a very deep, laterally compressed body, much deeper than other herring species.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the small, inferior mouth, which is characteristic of a filter feeder.

3. 3

   Spotting

   Identify the prominent dark spot behind the gill cover, often followed by several smaller spots in a line.

4. 4

   Scales

   Feel for the rough, serrated scales (scutes) along the belly, a distinguishing feature among clupeids.

5. 5

   Schooling Behavior

   Often seen in very large, dense schools near the surface, which can be a strong indicator of their presence.

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