Baltic Herring and Similar Species
Clupea harengus membras
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Baltic Herring. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Atlantic Herring
Clupea harengus harengus
Key differences: Larger size (up to 45 cm), deeper body, and typically found in higher salinity oceanic waters. Baltic Herring is considered a subspecies of Atlantic Herring.
Sprat
Sprattus sprattus
Key differences: Generally smaller than Baltic Herring (up to 16 cm), has a more pronounced and sharper ventral keel of scutes, and the dorsal fin origin is typically behind the pelvic fin origin (in Baltic Herring, they are usually aligned or the dorsal fin is slightly anterior).
European Pilchard (Sardine)
Sardina pilchardus
Key differences: Rarely found in the Baltic Sea (prefers warmer, higher salinity waters). Has distinct radiating striations on the operculum and often small dark spots along the flanks, which Baltic Herring lacks.
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