Atlantic thread herring

Atlantic Thread Herring

Atlantic Thread Herring (Opisthonema oglinum)

The Atlantic thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum) is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Clupeidae. It is commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Cape Cod in the United States to Brazil.

Description

The Atlantic thread herring is characterized by its elongated body and distinctive long, thread-like extension of the last dorsal fin ray, which gives the species its common name. The body is typically silver with a bluish tint on the dorsal side. Adult individuals can reach a length of up to 38 cm (15 inches).

Habitat and Distribution

This species inhabits coastal waters, often forming large schools. It is commonly found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore environments. The Atlantic thread herring is a pelagic fish, meaning it lives in the water column rather than near the bottom.

Diet

The diet of the Atlantic thread herring consists primarily of plankton, including copepods, crustacean larvae, and other small marine organisms. They are filter feeders, using their gill rakers to strain food particles from the water.

Reproduction

Atlantic thread herrings are known to spawn in the warmer months. Spawning occurs in open water, where females release eggs that are fertilized by males. The eggs are pelagic and hatch into larvae that are carried by currents until they mature.

Importance to Humans

The Atlantic thread herring is an important species for commercial and recreational fishing. It is often used as bait in sport fishing and is also processed for fish meal and oil. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in the marine food web, serving as prey for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Conservation

Currently, the Atlantic thread herring is not considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many marine species, it is subject to pressures from overfishing and habitat degradation. Sustainable management practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of its populations.

Related Pages

• Clupeidae
• Ray-finned fish
• Plankton
• Pelagic fish