Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, round (only slightly compressed); color green to blue above, silvery on sides and belly; no serrated keel on belly; has the typical herring mouth (short, deep lower jaw hidden by wide rounded upper jaw); snout pointed; dorsal fin with no spines; pelvic fins on belly mid-body, behind the dorsal fin base; large eye, sometimes with reddish tinge; tail forked, center rays short, squared off, lighter in color than the upper and lower rays. |
Similar Species |
Round herring is the only herring off Texas, besides the dwarf herring, with a rounded belly, no keel; the dwarf herring's pelvic fins are under the dorsal fin base (behind the base in round herring). |
Habitat |
Gulf, shallow waters |
Maximum Size |
33 cm (13 in), common to 25 cm (10 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 16-20; A. 10-12 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
red-eye round herring |
Previous Scientific Names |
Etrumeus teres |
Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |