Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific thread herring (Opisthonema bulleri) is a saltwater fish of the family Clupeidae that grows up to 20 cm.
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Description
The Pacific thread herring is a herring relative (Dorosomatidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, bright-silvery body with a keeled belly and a conspicuously thread-like extended last dorsal ray. As an open-water schooling fish it swims in dense groups near the coast and filters small animal and plant plankton. It is an important commercial fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific thread herring?
The Pacific thread herring has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Pacific thread herring live?
The Pacific thread herring lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
How big does the Pacific thread herring get?
The Pacific thread herring grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Pacific thread herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific thread herring is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Pacific thread herring edible?
The Pacific thread herring is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Pacific thread herring?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Opisthonema
More from the family Clupeidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific thread herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific thread herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.