Identity
Brevoortia tyrannus is the Atlantic species. Gulf Menhaden is a different fish, so records and fishery information for the Gulf species should not automatically be applied here. Schools of small silvery fish also require closer identification than appearance from shore allows.
Size and Weight
The reported maximum total length is 50 cm, approximately 19.7 inches. A regional account describes fish around one pound at maturity; that is an adult reference, not a measured maximum. A reliable maximum weight was not verified and is therefore not labelled as one in Quick Facts.
Habitat and Natural Food
Atlantic coastal waters and estuaries provide habitat. Young larvae take individual food particles before developing the filtering system associated with larger menhaden. Their diet includes both tiny drifting plants and animals.
Fishery and Food Web
Menhaden supply bait, including for crab and lobster fisheries, and are processed for other products. Larger predatory fishes also eat them. Their filter-feeding role does not justify assuming that a conventional baited hook is an effective way to target them.
A Feeding System That Changes With Growth
Larval menhaden capture individual particles. As the fish grows, its feeding apparatus develops into a filtering system that collects plankton. That transition helps explain why adult feeding behavior cannot simply be assigned to newly hatched fish.
All Lakes With Atlantic Menhaden
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Atlantic Menhaden records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.