Clupeidae
The Clupeidae, commonly known as herrings, sardines, shads, and menhadens, are a family of forage fish in the order Clupeiformes. They are found in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the Indo-Pacific region. Clupeids are small, silvery fish that typically have a streamlined body shape, a forked tail, and a single dorsal fin. They are important prey for many larger fish, marine mammals, and birds, and they play a crucial role in marine food webs.
Common Names
The common names for Clupeidae vary depending on the specific species and region. Some of the most common names include:
- Herrings
- Sardines
- Shads
- Menhadens
- Anchovies
- Pilchards
Characteristics
Clupeids share a number of characteristics, including:
- Small, silvery body
- Streamlined shape
- Forked tail
- Single dorsal fin
- Weakly developed lateral line
- Small mouth with numerous teeth
- Large scales that are easily detached
Environments
Clupeids are found in a wide range of environments, including:
- Marine waters
- Brackish waters
- Freshwater rivers and lakes
They are typically found in coastal areas, but some species can live in open ocean waters. Clupeids often form large schools, which can number in the millions.
Ecology
Clupeids are an important part of marine food webs. They are a major food source for many larger fish, marine mammals, and birds. Some species, such as sardines and anchovies, are commercially important and are caught in large quantities for human consumption and fish oil production.
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