Fin's Fish Guide
The Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Gulf of Mexico along the coast of North America, in turbid coastal water, bays and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Gulf menhaden is a laterally compressed herring of the family Dorosomatidae reaching about 35 cm. The silvery body has a blue-green back, a large head, a sawtoothed belly edge and a dark shoulder spot, often followed by smaller spots. The species forms enormous schools in turbid coastal water, bays and estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico and tolerates brackish water. With fine gill rakers it filters diatoms and zooplankton from the water. Through its enormous numbers it is a key prey fish for predators, seabirds and marine mammals and the basis of one of the largest fisheries in North America, aimed at fishmeal, fish oil and bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gulf menhaden?
The Gulf menhaden has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Laterally flattened herring-like fish with a large head, a dark shoulder blotch and a serrated belly edge; forms enormous shoals.
Where does the Gulf menhaden live?
The Gulf menhaden lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Gulf of Mexico along the coast of North America, in turbid coastal water, bays and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Gulf menhaden get?
The Gulf menhaden grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Gulf menhaden dangerous to humans?
No, the Gulf menhaden is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gulf menhaden edible?
The Gulf menhaden is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Brevoortia
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Gulf menhaden?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gulf menhaden is one of 12,519 species in the app.