Fin's Fish Guide
The Menhaden (Brevoortia smithi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Description
The yellowfin menhaden is a herring-like fish (Alosidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a laterally compressed, silvery body with yellowish fins, to which the name refers, and a deep notch in the upper jaw. It forms schools in shallow coastal waters, bays and estuaries. With its fine gill rakers it filters plankton from the water. It is an important prey fish for larger predators and seabirds. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Menhaden?
The Menhaden has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Yellowish fins; schooling, filter-feeding prey fish of shallow coastal waters.
Where does the Menhaden live?
The Menhaden lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic; shallow coastal waters, bays and estuaries.
How big does the Menhaden get?
The Menhaden grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Menhaden dangerous to humans?
No, the Menhaden is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Menhaden edible?
The 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 Menhaden?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Menhaden is one of 12,519 species in the app.