Other names: -
The Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, is a small, schooling fish found in the North Atlantic. Recognizable by its silver body and distinctive dorsal fin, this species is crucial for both commercial fisheries and marine ecosystems. Herring are known for their mass migrations and are a staple in many coastal communities' diets.
Length
~25" (max 45)
Weight
~1" (max 2)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
8-19° F
Depth
15-200 ft
Squid-
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Atlantic herring thrive in temperate, pelagic waters, often forming large schools near the surface
They migrate seasonally between feeding and spawning grounds, covering vast distances
Herring prefer areas with abundant plankton, their primary food source
Juveniles inhabit coastal nurseries, benefiting from shelter and abundant food
Spawning occurs in coastal areas, often on gravel or sand substrates
Females lay eggs that adhere to the substrate, where males fertilize them
Eggs hatch into larvae, which drift with ocean currents until they mature
Herring exhibit strong homing behavior, returning to their natal spawning grounds annually
