Brevoortia tyrannus

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

Brevoortia tyrannus

Unique Characters: Fins pale yellow. Numerous spots on sides behind the dark shoulder spot. Upper jaw with deep median notch. Last dorsal-fin ray not filamentous. Modified predorsal scales present on either side of dorsal midline. Other scales deeply overlapping and irregular with posterior margin serrate or pectinate. 6 branched pelvic-fin rays. Pelvic fin with rounded posterior margin, inner rays equal or nearly equal with outer rays when fin folded back.

Similar Species: Yellowfin Menhaden Brevoortia smithi. Fins golden yellow. A single dark shoulder spot. Upper jaw with deep median notch. Last dorsal-fin ray not filamentous. Modified predorsal scales present on either side of dorsal midline. Other scales deeply overlapping and irregular with posterior margin serrate or pectinate. 6 branched pelvic-fin rays. Pelvic fin with oblique and almost straight posterior margin, inner rays markedly shorter than outer rays when fin folded back.

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