Ordnung

Clupeiformes

  Klasse

Teleostei

  No. of Genera in Ref

66

  No. of Species in Ref

216

  Lebensraum

Süsswasser : Yes | Brackwasser : Yes | Seewasser : Yes

  Aquarium

none

  First Fossil Record

lower   Tertiary   lower   Eocene

  Bemerkung

The classification in subfamilies is original to FishBase et based on the phylogenetic work of Lavoué et al. (2013: Ref. 93878) in absence of consensual classification so far. Includes the former Sundalangidae (1 genus, Sundalanx, and 7 species) that are actually paedomorphic species deeply nested in Clupeidae-Ehiravinae. Distribution: global (mostly tropical) from 70° N to about 60° S. Chiefly marine coastal and schooling fishes; some freshwater and anadromous. Body usually fusiform, round to strongly compressed. Head without scales; jaw teeth, when present, are small or minute. A single dorsal fin, small and near midpoint of body; pelvic fins more or less below dorsal fin base; dorsal and pelvic fins absent in some species; soft rays only. Lateral line spanning a few scales behind the head in some species, missing in others; scales cycloid (smooth to touch). Branchiostegal rays usually 5-10. Most feed on small planktonic animals. Size range (adults): from 2 to 75 cm. One of the most important family of commercial fishes, processed for food, oil, or fish meal.

  Etymology

Latin, clupea = sardine, derived from Clupeus = shield; doubtless a reference to the scales covering the body of the fish + Greek, odous = teeth

  Division

Marine

  Reproductive guild

nonguarders

  Typical activity level

normal

  Hauptref

Whitehead, P.J.P. 1985

  Koordinator