Appearance
- Oval-shaped body that is deep and compressed
- Single spot near top of gill cover (not followed by smaller spots)
- Fins are golden yellow
- Silver body with a greenish or bluish back
- Notch in the middle of upper jaw
Similar Species: Gulf menhaden, B. patronus (have small spots trailing the prominent dark spot)
Size: Up to 13 inches
Habitat
Found nearshore and in bays and estuaries.
Behavior
Feeds by filtering phytoplankton.