Atlantic thread herring
📖 Overview
Inhabit harbors and shallow coastal areas . Pelagic . Form schools (but solitary individuals reported), probably not entering water of low salinity. Feed by filtering plankton (copepods), but also take small fishes, crabs and shrimps. Marketed fresh, frozen and salted; also used in the fishmeal industry. Occur in freshwater in St. Johns River, Florida .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 21; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 24. The filamentous last dorsal fin ray distinguishes this species from all other western Atlantic clupeoids except Dorosoma, which has an inferior mouth . Otherwise, superficially resembles species of Sardinella (but i 8 pelvic fin rays in western Atlantic species, cf. i 7 in Opisthonema) and Harengula (but small toothed hypomaxilla in upper jaw) . Lower gill rakers stable at 28 to 46 after 8 cm . Silvery, with a bluish or greenish back, 6-7 lengthwise dark streaks on side. Dark spot above opercle, larger dark spot behind opercle, usually with a row of dark spots behind it. Lower profile deeply curved. Head pointed .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Atlantic thread herring is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Atlantic thread herring is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Possibly breeds in March-July off Venezuela.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m , usually 5 - ? m . Tropical; 41°N - 37°S, 98°W - 33°W West Indies southward to Santa Catarina, Brazil.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Atlantic thread herring is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 242 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Atlantic thread herring has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alausa striata | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Chatoessus eumorphus | Gosse | 1851 | Synonym |
| Chatoessus signifer | DeKay | 1842 | Synonym |
| Megalops notata | Lesueur | 1818 | Synonym |
| Megalops oglina | Lesueur | 1818 | Synonym |
| Meletta thrissa | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Ophisthonema oglinum | Lesueur | 1818 | Synonym |
| Ophistonema oglinum | Lesueur | 1818 | Synonym |
| Opisthonema captivai | Rivas | 1972 | Synonym |
| Opisthonema oglinum captivai | Rivas | 1972 | Synonym |
| Opisthonema oglinum oglinum | — | — | Synonym |
| Opisthonema oglunum | Lesueur | 1818 | Synonym |
| Opisthonema thrissa | Gill | 1861 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 180 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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