Which familiar food fishes are clupeiforms?

Clupeiforms are among the most economically important fishes globally, comprising over 400 species that include many familiar food sources. While some groups like tarpons, bonefishes, salmons, and trouts were formerly classified within this order, they are not considered clupeiforms in modern taxonomy.12

The most prominent and widely consumed clupeiform fishes include:

• Herrings: Including the Atlantic herring.23
• Sardines: Such as the Pacific sardine.23
• Anchovies: Including various species of anchovies and anchovetas.23
• Other common species: Pilchards, menhadens, sprats, shads, and alewives.2

These fishes are typically small, schooling marine species that feed on plankton, which contributes to their high abundance and significant role in global commercial fisheries.123