Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) is found primairly in the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is found along the western coast of Florida to the SE coast of Texas. This is also found along the coast of much of eastern Mexico. This is known to move into freshwater. This menhaden can grow to about 10 inches, but examples over 12 inches are known. There is a row (or sometimes two rows) of dark smaller spots along the side.

Menhaden genus (Brevoortia) contains several species of deep bodied herrings. They usually show a black spot behind their upper gill. Most species can reach about one foot in length. These fish are hunted in quantities by commercial fishermen for their value in making fish meal and fish oil.

Herrings, sardines, or pilchards (Family Clupeidae) number about 180 species distributed among about 65 different genera. These fish are found worldwide. Most species are smaller kinds. These schooling fish can occur in gigantic quantities, and they serve both ocean predators and humans as an important food source.

The herring order (Clupeiformes) is found worldwide in marine environments. Several species are found in freshwater. The anchovies (Engraulidae), the wolf herrings (Chirocentridae), and the typical herrings (Clupeidae) belong here.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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