What Do Menhaden Eat?

Menhaden eat both phytoplankton and zooplankton. When they are well-fed, they are referred to as fatbacks or bunkers.

Is menhaden good to eat?

Unlike most fatty fish, plankton-swilling menhaden eat near the bottom of the food chain and have low mercury levels. But menhaden oil has plenty of competition when it comes to other fish-oil supplements. ... But perhaps the most important reason for looking for alternatives is the sustainability of the menhaden fishery.

What is menhaden fish used for?

Menhaden are not used directly for food. They are processed into fish oil and fish meal that are used as food ingredients, animal feed, and dietary supplements. The flesh has a high omega-3 fat content. Fish oil made from menhaden also is used as a raw material for products such as lipstick.