Learn about Atlantic menhaden

Atlantic menhaden are a schooling fish that are mostly caught for their fish oil. Read on to learn more about the Atlantic menhaden

Appearance

• Menhaden are a round fish with a bony head, large eyes and a large mouth. They also have a dark spot behind their gills which is followed by other smaller spots. 
• They have a silver belly and a brown, blue or greenish dorsal region, along with a yellowish forked tail.
• Menhaden can reach a length of 12 inches, but generally are between 8 and 11 inches long.

Atlantic menhaden facts

• Species name: Brevoortia tyrannus
• Menhaden are toothless and feed on plankton.
• Many creatures feed on Menhaden, including:
  • Whales
  • Dolphins
  • Porpoises
  • Birds
  • Striped bass
  • Tuna
  • Sharks
  • Swordfish
  • Bluefish
  • Cymothoa exigua
• Menhaden are found within 20 miles of shore.
• They spawn during the winter months, with females laying up to 300,000 eggs.
• They are found from Nova Scotia to Florida.
• Menhaden are fished commercially for bait and fish oil. It is a very successful fishery with almost no bycatch or habitat disruption.
• Menhaden isn't usually sold for food as it has a pungent flavor and is very bony.