(Bergen Aquarium / 12.27.2004)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Clupeiformes

Family: Clupeidae

Scientific name: Clupea harengus

 

Norwegian: sild

Distribution: Herring traditionally had a high commercial importance. Due to a collapse in the population of the North Atlantic herring the last decades, this is no longer the case. Still, the herring can be found anywhere along the Norwegian coast. This is a pelagic fish, living in shoals. There are three different populations, all feeding in the area between Island and the Jan Mayen Island, every year. It is usually found above 200 meters.

Characteristics: A silver blank fish with a slender laterally compressed body. with a bluish back. The jaw is slightly undershot. The single, ray less, dorsal fin starts on the middle of the back, in contrast to its North American relative. It may grow to a length of 50 cm.

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