The European herring is a small, schooling fish found in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. It is an important species for both commercial fishing and the ecosystem, serving as a key food source for larger predators like seabirds and marine mammals. Typically measuring between 20 to 30 centimeters in length, the European herring has a streamlined body and a silver sheen. It is often processed into products like pickled herring or herring fillets, making it a popular choice in various cuisines across Europe.