Clupea Harangus is a species of fish commonly known as Atlantic herring. The spelling of this word can be explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The initial sound "kl" is represented by the IPA symbol /kl/. The "u" in the first syllable is pronounced as /ju/ while the "ea" in the second syllable is pronounced as /i/. Finally, the "gus" at the end of the word is pronounced as /ɡəs/. Understanding IPA transcription can aid in correct pronunciation and spelling of words.
Clupea harangus, commonly known as the Atlantic herring, is a species of marine fish that belongs to the family Clupeidae. It is widely distributed in the cool temperate and boreal waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. This pelagic species is known for its commercial and ecological significance.
Atlantic herring typically have elongated bodies with silvery scales and a deep, fusiform shape. They can reach lengths of up to 38 centimeters and have a maximum weight of around 1 kilogram. They have forked tails and a single dorsal fin positioned near the middle of their body.
These fish exhibit a migratory behavior, often forming large schools that can consist of thousands of individuals. Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans, small fish, and plankton. Consequently, they occupy a crucial place in the food chain, serving as a prey item for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
From a commercial perspective, Atlantic herring is highly sought after for its flesh, oil, and roe. It is captured using various fishing techniques, such as purse seining, trawling, and gillnetting, and is utilized in numerous food products including canned fish, pickled herring, and smoked delicacies. Additionally, they are also used as bait in recreational and commercial fishing.
Due to its economic value, Atlantic herring supports substantial fisheries throughout the North Atlantic region, contributing to the livelihoods of many coastal communities. It is also an important fishery resource for aquaculture, as it provides feed for certain farmed species.
The word "Clupea" is the genus name of the species "Clupea harangus", which is commonly known as the Atlantic herring. The etymology of "Clupea" originates from Latin, derived from the Greek word "kloupeos", meaning "herring". The specific epithet "harangus" comes from the Old English word "hǣring", which also means "herring". Therefore, "Clupea harangus" can be literally translated as "herring herring", indicating its fish species.