Clupeiformes

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Clupeiformes (subclass Actinopterygii, superorder Clupeomorpha) An order of herring-like, marine or freshwater fish, that have a streamlined, silvery body and soft-rayed fins. The ventral fins are in an abdominal position opposite the single dorsal fin; the pectoral fins are inserted below the body axis. The order comprises the families Denticipitidae (denticle herring), Clupeidae (herring), Engraulidae (anchovy), and Chirocentridae (wolfherring).