American shad (Alosa sapidissima) is native to the western Atlantic. It can be found from southern Canada south to Florida. However, this species has been introduced into the NE Pacific, and it is now found from Alaska south to California. This heavy bodied herring can weigh up to 12 pounds, but most examples weigh nearer 3 pounds. This is considered an excellent fish for human consumption. The populations are decreasing due to pollution and over fishing. Because this species spawns in streams, it is vulnerable to pollution in various smaller rivers and streams. However, because a female can lay over 100,000 eggs, intelligent conservation should be able to secure this species. However, it takes up to 6 years for the hatchlings to mature, so conservation results take time to observe.

Herrings, sardines, or pilchards (Family Clupeidae) number about 180 species distributed among about 65 different genera. These fish are found worldwide. Most species are smaller kinds. These schooling fish can occur in gigantic quantities, and they serve both ocean predators and humans as an important food source.

The herring order (Clupeiformes) is found worldwide in marine environments. Several species are found in freshwater. The anchovies (Engraulidae), the wolf herrings (Chirocentridae), and the typical herrings (Clupeidae) belong here.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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