Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, compressed; color green to blue above, white on belly, no shoulder spot; fins pale with dusky tips or edges; belly with serrated keel; typical herring mouth (short, deep lower jaw hidden by wide rounded upper jaw); upper jaw with front notch; pelvic fin under dorsal fin base. |
Similar Species |
More slender than other herrings with a keel; has distinctive notch in front upper jaw; differs from menhaden by not having 2 rows of enlarged scales on back in front of dorsal fin. |
Habitat |
Bays and freshwater |
Maximum Size |
60 cm (23 1/2 in), common to 45 cm (17 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 16-21; A. 18-21 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Known for leaping from the water. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |