**Lile (fish)**
**Definition**
Lile is a genus of small, schooling marine fish belonging to the family Clupeidae, commonly found in coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean.
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**Lile (fish)**
Lile is a genus of small, pelagic fish within the family Clupeidae, which includes herrings, sardines, and shads. These fish are typically found in the coastal and estuarine waters of the eastern Pacific, ranging from California to Peru. Species within this genus are known for their schooling behavior and play an important role in local marine ecosystems as forage fish for larger predators.
### Taxonomy and Species
The genus Lile comprises several species, with Lile stolifera and Lile gracilis among the most recognized. These species are characterized by their slender, laterally compressed bodies, silvery coloration, and forked tails, adaptations that facilitate swift swimming in open water.
### Habitat and Distribution
Lile species inhabit shallow coastal waters, often near sandy or muddy bottoms, and are commonly found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore environments. Their distribution along the eastern Pacific coast makes them an integral part of the marine food web in this region.
### Ecology and Behavior
As schooling fish, Lile species form large groups that provide protection against predators. They primarily feed on plankton and small invertebrates, filtering these from the water with specialized gill rakers. Their role as prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals underscores their ecological importance.
### Economic Importance
While not a major commercial species, Lile fish are sometimes caught for local consumption and used as bait in fisheries. Their abundance and schooling nature make them accessible to artisanal fishers.
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**Meta Description**
Lile is a genus of small schooling fish in the family Clupeidae, found in eastern Pacific coastal waters. They play a key role in marine ecosystems as forage fish.