This species has been observed to spawn in local waters. When 

 rotenone was spread in a tidal pool off Winnapaug Pond in Weeka- 

 paug, on September 19, 1957, a large quantity of three-inch juvenile 

 menhaden were collected. A month later, rotenone in the same area 

 demonstrated the menhaden still present, and on the average, one 

 inch longer in length. The majority of the adult menhaden viewed 

 in the nets and traps ranged from 10 to 12 inches (TL). Photographs 

 and detailed description of Rhode Island menhaden appear in 

 Gordon (1957 b). 



Economic Importance: 



The meal made from menhaden is used in fertilizers, animal and 

 poultry feeds. The oil from this species is utilized in the manufac- 

 ture of paint, soap, candles, printing inks and insect sprays. During 

 1957, more pounds of menhaden were landed at Rhode Island ports 

 than in any previous year. The catch was 19,777,600 pounds valued 

 at $235,837. Because the menhaden is so oily, it is not utilized 

 directly as a food fish. It is utilized as chum for tuna and bluefish, 

 or for lobster bait. 



Family Engraulidae 



Genus Anchoa 



(47) Anchoa mitchilli (Cuvier and Valenciennes) 1848 

 Anchovy 

 Specimens: 



This small species, ranging in size from two to three and a half 

 inches (TL) is found in Rhode Island waters in coves, bays and 

 river mouths from May to October. Numerous specimens were 

 collected at the mouth of the Pawcatuck River in a minnow seine 

 during July and August, 1957. This species was also found Sep- 

 tember 19, 1957, at Weekapaug, using rotenone. 



Economic Importance: 



In Europe, anchovies are salted and canned for use as hors 

 d'oeuvres. In this country, they are of slight importance, a few 

 being canned and the rest being used as baitfish. During 1957, 7,173 

 pounds of anchovies were recorded from Rhode Island. They were 

 valued at $180. 



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