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Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829) False herring |
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photo by
Carvalho Filho, A. |
| Family: | Dorosomatidae (Gizzard shads and sardinellas) | |||
| Max. size: | 22.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 109.0 g | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Florida to northern Brazil, including the Bahamas, the entire Caribbean and the West Indies. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-21; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-23. Tooth-plate on tongue and tooth plate behind it (basihyal and basibranchials tooth plates) broad, their width about 3 to 5 times in their combined length, the basibranchial tooth plate with a distinct bulge in front. Scales fairly strongly attached, not easily lost. No dark pigment on dorsal fin tip (Ref. 188). Silvery, with a dark greenish back. Diffuse yellow or pale orange spot at edge of opercle. Body slender, lower profile not strongly curved (Ref. 7251). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons, tolerating low salinities. Can tolerate a broad range of salinity levels (Ref. 26938). Forms schools, small individuals often along sandy beaches. Its flesh has an unpleasant odor. Utilized as fishmeal (Ref. 5217). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 August 2012 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||