Two families and four species of clupeiform fishes are recognized for the Valdivian coast (Chile), on the basis of the revision of ichthyological collections. These are: Family Engraulidae, with Engraulis ringens and Family Clupeidae with Ethmidium maculatum, Sardinops sagax and Strangomera bentincki. A series of characteristics selected by its stability are presented as the most advisable, for the taxonomical identification work. An illustrated taxonomic key is shown, as well as details about the morphological and meristic characteristics