Brevoortia pectinata (Jenyns, 1842)
Argentine menhaden
photo by Carvalho Filho, A.

Family:  Alosidae (Shads and Sardines)
Max. size:  35 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; brackish; marine; depth range - 5 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: Santos, Brazil to mouth of La Plata, Argentina.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 19-19. Scutes apparent along belly. Upper jaw with distinct median notch. Pectoral fin tip to pelvic fin base or at most short by the width of 3 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 (Ref. 188). Back of body greenish blue, sides and belly silvery, fins golden yellow. Large dark spot behind gill cover (Ref. 27363).
Biology:  Schooling species (Ref. 188). Enters brackish regions of rivers (Ref. 188). Feeds on plankton (Ref. 27363).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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