Identification
A dark spot sits behind the gill opening without a series of additional flank spots. The scales are small and especially reduced over parts of the back and near the anal-fin base. A notch in the upper jaw and abdominal scutes provide additional clues.
Gulf Distribution
The species occurs from the northern Gulf toward the Gulf of Campeche and Yucatan region. A broad Caribbean distribution is not established by the principal species account. Keep uncertain outlying records separate from the documented Gulf range.
Food and Size
Schools feed on plankton in inshore water, including bays. The thirty-centimeter maximum is standard length, excluding the tail. This feeding role connects small drifting organisms with larger predators that take schooling coastal fish.
Count the Body Spots
The shoulder spot without a trailing series of flank spots is useful when comparing Gulf menhadens, together with scale size and fin features.
All Lakes With Finescale Menhaden
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Finescale 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.