Atlantic Herring, European Herring, Sea Herring

The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is a ray-finned fish belonging to the herring family (Clupeidae). It’s a silvery fish with a streamlined body, typically growing to lengths of 20-30 centimeters (8-12 inches). It possesses a single row of small, comb-like gill rakers. Their scales are easily detached.

Atlantic herring are a schooling fish found in cold, oxygen-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. They inhabit coastal areas, estuaries, and deeper offshore waters, often migrating between these areas. They require stable salinity levels and are sensitive to pollution and changes in water temperature.

Atlantic herring spawn in late winter or early spring. Eggs are released into the water column and hatch into larvae. Larvae feed on plankton and grow rapidly. Young herring form large schools for protection and efficient foraging. They reach maturity around age 1-2 years and continue to spawn for several years. They are a crucial link in the marine food web, serving as a food source for many larger fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.

Atlantic herring has a distinctive, oily, and slightly salty flavor. It is a popular food fish in many European countries, often pickled, smoked, or grilled. Pickled herring is a particularly common preparation. It is also used in fish cakes and other dishes. Due to its oil content, it's a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.