How to Identify Atlantic Menhaden

To identify Atlantic Menhaden (Ethmidium atlanticum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery sides, darker bluish-green to greenish-brown back. Often has a prominent dark spot behind the upper gill cover, followed by several smaller, less distinct spots along the flanks.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, compressed body, Large head with a large, terminal mouth, Prominent dark spot behind the operculum (gill cover), Finely serrated scales along the belly (scutes), Absence of teeth on the jaws

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short dorsal fin located mid-body, with 13-19 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Small, located low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Anal fin is long and low, with 19-26 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a deep, compressed, silvery body with a darker back. The large head and prominent dark spot behind the gill cover are key.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Their large, terminal mouth is adapted for filter feeding, often appearing wide when observed.

3. 3

   Schooling Behavior

   Atlantic Menhaden are almost always found in very large, dense schools, often visible at the surface, which can create 'ripples' or 'flips' on the water.

4. 4

   Scutes

   Feel for the sharp, serrated scales (scutes) along the belly, a characteristic of many clupeids.

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