Brevoortia tyrannus

Brevoortia tyrannus
Atlantic Menhaden – Brevoortia tyrannus
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
ClupeidaeBrevoortia tyrannus(Latrobe)1802Atlantic Menhaden

Unique Characteristics: Margin of scales comblike. Predorsal area contains a fatty ridge that bears greatly enlarged scales. Many smaller spots on the side follow the large dark spot near the upper opercle. The upper jaw has a median notch. Adipose eyelid is present. Primarily a marine species.

Similar Species: All other species of Clupeidae found in fresh water have smooth scale margins. Predorsal fatty ridge absent. Predorsal scales normal sized.

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