Silvery Swimmers

Atlantic Menhaden - deep bodied, not anadromous, swim with open mouths, brassy coloration, pale yellow fins, numerous spots on sides, dark spot on shoulder.

Atlantic Herring - thinner body, lacking side spots

River Herring sp. - smaller herring, usually with dark shoulder spot.

American Shad - largest herring, large dark spot behind the gill cover, several (3-5) dark spots on body.

Scup - caudal and anal fins are dusky colored and flecked with blue, rounded shape.

Rainbow Smelt - iridescent coloration, larger eye and mouth, small adipose fin.

Atlantic Silversides - distinct silvery stripe, smaller eye and mouth, pelvic fin closer to front of body.

Bluefish - full-bodied, fast swimming, greenish blue above, silvery below, sleek body, forked tail.

Butterfish - symmetrically shaped, heavy, rounded snout, big eyes, single dorsal and anal