The alewife is a small fish belonging to the herring family, scientifically known as *Alosa pseudoharengus*. It is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the eastern coast of North America. Alewives are known for their silvery bodies and can grow up to 12 inches long. They are an important species in the ecosystem, serving as a food source for larger fish, birds, and mammals. Alewives are also significant for their role in fisheries and local economies. They migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers and lakes to spawn, which makes them a key species in both marine and freshwater environments. Their populations can be affected by factors such as overfishing and habitat loss, making conservation efforts important for maintaining their numbers and ecological balance.