Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific menhaden (Ethmidium maculatum) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Description
The Pacific menhaden is a herring relative from the southeast Pacific, along the coast of Peru and Chile. The species grows to about 31 cm and has a laterally compressed, silvery body, sometimes with a row of dark spots on the flank. It forms large schools in productive, upwelling-rich coastal water and filters animal and plant plankton. It is an important commercial food and bait fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific menhaden?
The Pacific menhaden has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery schooling fish of upwelling-rich water; plankton filter feeder
Where does the Pacific menhaden live?
The Pacific menhaden lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Southeast Pacific
How big does the Pacific menhaden get?
The Pacific menhaden grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Pacific menhaden dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific menhaden is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Pacific menhaden edible?
Yes, the Pacific menhaden is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific menhaden?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific menhaden is one of 12,519 species in the app.