This is the seventh in the FAO series of worldwide illustrated catalogues (synopses) of major groups of organisms that enter marine fisheries. The present catalogue includes all clupeoid fishes (suborder CLUPEOIDEI - herrings, sardines, pilchards, sprats, shads, anchovies and wolf-herrings), comprising 4 families, 80 genera and over 300 species, contributing to more than a quarter of the world fish catch. Keys are given to the families, subfamilies and genera, with a glossary of technical terms and measurements, and a review of major literature sources within each FAO fishing area. Genera and species are diagnosed, with drawings, scientific and vernacular names, information on habitat, biology, fisheries, and distribution (with map); reference is also made to subspecies and to any taxonomic or other problems. The occurrence of the species within the FAO fishing areas is tabulated. All scientific names applied to clupeoid species are given in the synonymies, and these as well as the vernacular names are indexed; there is also a complete bibliography of al1 literature cited.