4 photos - 2 species
Introduction
Herring are divided into four subfamilies.
They are plankton-eating schooling fish that react in panic and disorientation if they lose contact with the shoal.
The various species of herring grow to between three and 76 centimetres in length, with most remaining under 25 centimetres.
Harengula humeralis
Redear herring
Maximum length: 24 cm
Depth: 0 - 10 m
Encountered in large schools in coastal waters, along the coastline,
near the beach and over clear coral reefs.
There is a gold-coloured spot on the upper gill cover.
Photos 1 - 2 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean
Sardina pilchardus
European pilchard
Maximum length: 27 cm
Depth: 5 - 100 metres
The sardine is the only species of the genus Sardina in the herring family.
The body is almost cylindrical with a rounded belly.
Juveniles are more flattened at the sides.
They form large shoals that usually stay at depths of around 25 to 100 metres
during the day and rise to 10 to 35 metres at night.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Moalboal Philippines