Where do most clupeiform fishes lay their eggs?

Most clupeiform fishes lay their eggs near the shore, frequently in bays, fjords, or close inshore areas. While a few species, such as the Atlantic herring, spawn on offshore banks, the majority of spawning grounds are restricted to shallow waters, typically ranging from just below the mean low-tide level to a depth of about 4 metres (13 feet).1

For species that spawn in freshwater or are anadromous, spawning occurs in the shallows of large lakes or in the currents of riverbeds. Regarding the substrate, these fish generally prefer clean, hard bottoms covered with sand or gravel, though they may spawn over soft, muddy bottoms if there is sufficient vegetative cover.1