Redear Herring

Harengula humeralis

The Redear Herring is a slender fish with a fusiform body and evenly curved profiles. It is characterized by a reddish or orange spot behind the upper end of its gill and dark tips on the anterior dorsal fin rays. Its scales are thin and loosely attached, making them easily shed. This species lacks dorsal and anal spines but has 13 to 21 dorsal soft rays and 12 to 23 anal soft rays. The Redear Herring can reach a maximum length of 22 cm, with a common length of around 15 cm. Redear Herrings are found in the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and Florida to the Caribbean and Guianas. They inhabit coastal waters, typically staying close to shorelines and clear coral reefs. These fish are often seen in large schools over seagrass beds, particularly Thalassia, and can also be found in polluted areas. They are reef-associated and usually reside at depths ranging from the surface to 50 meters. The Redear Herring is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers encountering these fish may observe them schooling along the reefs, a common behavior in their natural habitat.