The species of Clupea belong to the larger family Clupeidae (herrings, shads, sardines, menhadens), which comprises some 200 species that share similar features. These silvery-coloured fish have a single dorsal fin, which is soft, without spines. They have no lateral line and have a protruding lower jaw. Their size varies between subspecies: the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) is small, 14 to 18 cm; the proper Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus harengus) can grow to about 46 cm (18 in) and weigh up 700 g (1.5 lb); and Pacific herring grow to about 38 cm Learn more about Herring and sardine
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Herring and Sardine Species Videos
View All Herring and Sardine Videos
Common Name | Scientific Name | Conservation Status |
Flatiron Herring (227 videos) | Harengula thrissina | Least concern |
Hardyhead Silverside (6 videos) | Atherinomorus lacunosus | Not Available |
Pacific Herring (252 videos) | Clupea pallasii | Data deficient |
Pacific Sardine (30 videos) | Sardinops sagax | Least concern |
Slender Sardine (9 videos) | Dussumieria elopsoides | Least concern |
True Sardine (10 videos) | Sardina pilchardus | Least concern |