How to Identify California Herring

To identify California Herring (Clupea pallasii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery sides and a white belly. Iridescent sheen often present.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply forked caudal fin, Absence of scales on the head, Small, single dorsal fin located mid-body, Ventral fins located directly below the dorsal fin, No lateral line visible

Dorsal fin

Single, short-based dorsal fin with 15-21 soft rays, located approximately mid-body.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, symmetrical lobes.

Pectoral fin

Small, located low on the body, with 16-19 soft rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal, located directly below the dorsal fin. Anal fin is short, located far back on the body, with 13-18 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Adults typically range from 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded length of about 38 cm (15 inches).

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Slender, fusiform (torpedo-shaped) body, laterally compressed.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Dark blue-green back, silvery sides, and white belly. Lacks any spots or distinctive markings on the body.

4. 4

   Fins

   Single dorsal fin, deeply forked caudal fin. Pelvic fins are located directly under the dorsal fin. No adipose fin.

5. 5

   Scales

   Large, deciduous cycloid scales that are easily shed. Head is scaleless.

6. 6

   Keel

   A distinct, but not sharply serrated, ventral keel of scales runs along the belly from the pectoral fins to the anus.

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