Clupeomorpha

Clupeomorpha is a clade of ray-finned fishes within Teleostei that represents a major lineage of the broader Otocephala. It includes the living order Clupeiformes, which encompasses herrings, anchovies, sardines, shads, and their relatives, as well as numerous extinct taxa. The group is identified by phylogenetic analyses that unite taxa sharing derived skeletal and soft-tissue features, distinguishing it from other teleost lineages.

Distribution and habitat: Clupeomorphs are found in a wide range of environments, including marine, brackish, and freshwater systems, with a global distribution from coastal zones to open waters and some rivers. They tend to be small to medium-sized and many species form large, year-round or seasonal schools.

Ecology and economic importance: Clupeomorphs are among the most abundant schooling fishes and serve as a crucial food resource for larger predators and for humans. They support substantial commercial fisheries and play a key role in marine and freshwater food webs. Reproductive strategies vary among species, but many produce pelagic eggs released into the water column.

Evolution and fossil record: The clade has a substantial fossil record, dating back to the Mesozoic, which provides important insights into the evolution and geographic spread of clupeomorphs. Ongoing research, incorporating both morphological and molecular data, aims to resolve the internal relationships within Clupeomorpha and its connections to other teleost groups.