Clupeomorpha

The superorder Clupeomorpha encompasses a group of bony fishes, with the single living order being Clupeiformes. This order includes some of the most abundant and economically significant fish species globally, with over 400 species, many of which contribute significantly to the world's fish catch.1

Clupeiforms are typically small, slender, and streamlined marine fish, usually under 30 cm (12 inches) in length, though some species can exceed 50 cm (20 inches). While classifications vary, the order generally includes families like Clupeidae (herrings, sardines), Engraulidae (anchovies), and Chirocentridae (wolf herrings). These fish are often found in abundant schools in coastal and open waters, with their distribution influenced by temperature and salinity. Most species inhabit tropical waters, with fewer found in subtropical or subarctic regions. Their diet primarily consists of plankton, and their feeding habits and migratory patterns play a crucial role in their abundance and economic importance.23