Fin's Fish Guide
The Finescale menhaden (Brevoortia gunteri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The finescale menhaden is a herring-like fish (Alosidae) from the Gulf of Mexico. The species has a laterally compressed, silvery body with a deep notch in the upper jaw and numerous fine scales. It forms large schools in shallow coastal waters, including bays, and is probably euryhaline. With its fine gill rakers it filters plankton from the water. It spawns at sea and is an important prey fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Finescale menhaden?
The Finescale menhaden has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Numerous fine scales; schooling, filter-feeding prey fish of the Gulf of Mexico.
Where does the Finescale menhaden live?
The Finescale menhaden lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Gulf of Mexico; shallow coastal waters and bays.
How big does the Finescale menhaden get?
The Finescale menhaden grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Finescale menhaden dangerous to humans?
No, the Finescale menhaden is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Finescale menhaden edible?
The Finescale menhaden is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Brevoortia
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Finescale menhaden?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Finescale menhaden is one of 12,519 species in the app.