Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, in coastal water, estuaries and bays; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Atlantic menhaden is a deep, silvery herring of the family Dorosomatidae (formerly Clupeidae) reaching about 50 cm. The laterally compressed body bears a large dark shoulder spot followed by rows of smaller spots. With very fine gill rakers the fish sifts plant and animal plankton from the water. The species forms enormous schools that migrate seasonally along the east coast of North America, in coastal water, estuaries and bays, and tolerates brackish water. Through its tremendous numbers the menhaden is a keystone of the coastal ecosystem - a main prey for countless predatory fish, seabirds and marine mammals - and the raw material for a large fishery for fishmeal and fish oil.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic menhaden?
The Atlantic menhaden has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Deep-bodied, silvery herring with a large shoulder blotch followed by smaller blotches; a filter feeder that lives in enormous shoals.
Where does the Atlantic menhaden live?
The Atlantic menhaden lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America, in coastal water, estuaries and bays; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Atlantic menhaden get?
The Atlantic menhaden grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Atlantic menhaden dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic menhaden is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic menhaden edible?
The Atlantic menhaden is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Brevoortia
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic menhaden?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic menhaden is one of 12,519 species in the app.