Field identification notes
The body is strongly compressed, with a large head and gill cover. A small dark mark sits behind the upper corner of the gill cover, but the Smithsonian description does not show a row of spots along the flank. The belly carries a keel of hard scutes. Adults lack jaw teeth and have numerous fine gill rakers.
Sources: Brevoortia gunteri species account
Habitat and range notes
The Smithsonian account describes a marine, inshore fish that also enters brackish water. Its range is centered on the Gulf of Mexico. The forked tail and yellowish to dusky fins fit the menhaden outline, but the single shoulder mark should be checked against other menhaden.
Sources: Brevoortia gunteri species account
Feeding and life-history notes
Plankton forms an important part of its food, including both plant and animal plankton in the source’s categories. Pelagic eggs and larvae are recorded. This account describes the species, not a current fishery stock assessment; local abundance cannot be inferred from the number of occurrence records alone.
Sources: Brevoortia gunteri species account
Guide sources
Research reviewed 2026-10-17.
- Brevoortia gunteri species account — Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
