Atlantic Herring
ExploreFish
Atlantic Herring
Clupea harengus
The Atlantic Herring is a small, silver fish that travels in huge groups called schools. They are an important food source for many animals!
Habitat: Cold ocean waters
Appearance
The Atlantic Herring has a sleek, streamlined body with iridescent silvery sides and a darker blue or green back. Its scales are large and reflective, helping it blend into the ocean's light. It lacks any prominent spots or unique markings, appearing uniformly bright.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopteriOrderClupeiformesFamilyClupeidaeGenusClupea
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Atlantic Herring are one of the most commercially fished species in the world!
Their scales were once used to make shiny artificial pearls for jewelry!
They are often called 'silver of the sea' for their shimmering bodies!
They form massive schools that can stretch for many kilometers under the sea!
Special abilities
Ability
Swarming Shield
Atlantic Herring can swim in giant, synchronized schools that confuse predators and make them harder to catch.
Ability
Deep Sea Ears
Atlantic Herring have a special connection between their swim bladder and inner ear, helping them hear distant sounds and danger.
Ability
Energy Bank
Atlantic Herring can store large amounts of fat, allowing them to survive long periods and fuel their migrations.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-45 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.7 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Swim Speed
- 25 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 400 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
Atlantic Herring feast on tiny ocean creatures, filtering them from the water!
Age differences: Young herring eat smaller plankton, while adults enjoy larger crustaceans and tiny fish larvae.
Primary Foods
- Copepods
- Krill
- Larval fish
- Fish eggs
- Diatoms
Foraging Method
- Filter Feeding
Ecological connections
eaten by
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
A key food source for this important predatory fish.
eaten by
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
An essential part of their diet during feeding season.
eaten by
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanus
Diving seabirds rely on herring for energy.
eaten by
Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
A significant prey item for these marine mammals.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Migratory
Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.
Also known as
Atlantic Herring Fish
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Atlantic Herring?
20-45 cm
How much does Atlantic Herring weigh?
0.1-0.7 kg
How long does Atlantic Herring live?
10-15 years
What does Atlantic Herring eat?
Atlantic Herring feast on tiny ocean creatures, filtering them from the water!
How fast can Atlantic Herring swim?
25 km/h
Where is Atlantic Herring usually found?
Cold ocean waters
How does Atlantic Herring hunt?
Filter Feeding
How deep can Atlantic Herring go?
400 m
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