Clupeidae

The family Clupeidae encompasses various species of fish, commonly known as herrings, sardines, and anchovies. These are typically small, streamlined marine fish, though some species can grow much larger. Herrings, such as the Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), are known for their silvery sides and blue-green backs, usually reaching lengths of up to 35 cm.123

These fish are vital to marine ecosystems, forming large schools and feeding on plankton, copepods, and fish larvae. They, in turn, serve as a crucial food source for larger predators like cod, salmon, and tuna. Clupeidae species are economically important, with their catches used for direct consumption (fresh, smoked, salted, or canned as sardines) or processed into fish oil and meal. Their distribution is largely influenced by temperature and salinity, with most species found in tropical or temperate waters.1432