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Brevoortia aurea (Spix & Agassiz, 1829) Brazilian menhaden |
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photo by
Timm, C.D. |
| Family: | Alosidae (Shads and Sardines) | |||
| Max. size: | 34.4 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | pelagic-neritic; marine | |||
| Distribution: | Southwest Atlantic: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil probably to mouth of Rio de la Plata, Argentina (needs confirmation). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Scutes apparent along belly. Upper jaw with distinct median notch. Pectoral fin tip short of pelvic fin base by width of 3 to 7 scales; pelvic fin with oblique and almost straight hind margin. Pre-dorsal scales modified; scales on back and above base of anal fin not markedly smaller than rest. A black spot behind gill opening, but none along flank. | |||
| Biology: | Forms schools (Ref. 188). The morphological characteristics observed and the composition of the trophic spectrum indicate that this species is a filter-feeder, consuming mainly phytoplankton (Ref. 34154). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2017 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||