Appearance
Also known as pogie.
- Oval-shaped body that is deep and compressed
- Spot near top of gill cover, often followed by several rows of smaller spots
- Blue-green or blue-brown color on back, sides and belly silver, fins yellowish
- Notch in the middle of upper jaw
Similar Species: Yellowfin menhaden, B. smithi (have a single dark spot)
Size: Rarely over 10 inches
Habitat
Nearshore waters
Behavior
Spawn offshore across the northern Gulf in the winter; valuable commercial fishery
Additional Information
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles