The Atlantic herring (lat. Clupea harengus) is found in the North Atlantic and in the adjacent Arctic waters. The herring is a gregarious species. It prefers to stay close to the water surface and only rarely dives to greater depths. The body of the herring is elongated, oval and slightly compressed at the sides. The scales are silvery with a bluish tinge, the back is darker and the belly is pale. An adult herring can grow up to 45 cm long. The usual length of the fish is 20-25 cm. It is often used as bait.