Fin's Fish Guide
The Flatiron herring (Harengula thrissina) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The flatiron herring is a small herring-like fish of the family Clupeidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a laterally compressed, silvery body with a blue-green back. It forms dense schools in coastal waters, often along the shore and in bays. As a filter feeder it sifts phytoplankton and small zooplankton from the water. As an extremely abundant prey fish it is an important link in the coastal food web for larger predatory fishes, seabirds and marine mammals, and is much used as bait. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flatiron herring?
The Flatiron herring has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Forms dense coastal shoals; abundant prey fish and widely used bait fish.
Where does the Flatiron herring live?
The Flatiron herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and bays.
How big does the Flatiron herring get?
The Flatiron herring grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Flatiron herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Flatiron herring is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flatiron herring edible?
Yes, the Flatiron herring is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Harengula
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Flatiron herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flatiron herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.