Silver Jenny

Eucinostomus gula

The Silver Jenny is a member of the reef fish group, belonging to the family Gerreidae. It is commonly found in the Western Atlantic, ranging from Massachusetts, USA, and Bermuda down to Argentina, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This species is known for its fusiform, or spindle-shaped, body which aids in its swift movement through water. It typically grows to a common length of 15.0 cm, with males and unsexed individuals reaching a maximum length of 25.5 cm. Divers can identify it by its dorsal fin configuration, which includes nine spines and ten soft rays, along with three anal spines and seven anal soft rays. Silver Jenny inhabits shallow waters and is particularly abundant in mangrove-lined lagoons and creeks with muddy bottoms. Larger individuals may also be found on vegetated sand grounds in marine areas. It can enter freshwater in limestone regions and often occurs in aggregations. Its diet likely consists of small benthic invertebrates, which it scavenges from the substrate. Although it is marketed fresh, it is not highly esteemed in the commercial fish market. For divers encountering the Silver Jenny, it is important to note that it is harmless to humans. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The species is typically found at depths ranging from 0 to 55 meters, with most occurrences being shallower than 40 meters.