Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829)
False herring
Harengula clupeola
photo by Carvalho Filho, A.

 Family:  Clupeidae (Herrings, shads, sardines, menhadens), subfamily: Dorosomatinae
 Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; 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:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Binohlan, Crispina B. - 17.10.90
 Modified by: Bailly, Nicolas - 15.07.13
 Checked by: Binohlan, Crispina B. - 16.07.94

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