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Gulf Menhaden

Brevoortia patronus

Appearance

Illustration of a gulf menhaden showing important characteristics

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