The term 'herring species' can be summarized by the 5-letter word 'SPRAT'. Sprats are a type of small, oily fish that belong to the herring family. They are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. Sprats are an important food source for many species of birds, mammals, and other fish. They are also popular among humans, and are often eaten smoked, pickled, or canned.