How to Identify Silver Jenny

To identify Silver Jenny (Eucinostomus gula), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Overall silvery, often with a faint dusky blotch on the upper side below the spinous dorsal fin. Fins are typically translucent or dusky. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Highly protrusible mouth, forming a downward-pointing tube when extended, Deeply notched dorsal fin, Large, silvery scales, Absence of prominent markings on the body, distinguishing it from some other mojarras

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, deeply notched, with 9-10 spines followed by 10-12 soft rays. The second dorsal spine is typically the longest.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins, reaching beyond the anal fin origin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Mouth Protrusion

   Observe the mouth; when extended, it forms a distinctive downward-pointing tube, a characteristic feature of mojarras.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin Spines

   Count the dorsal fin spines (9-10) and note that the second spine is usually the longest, though not as elongated as in some other Eucinostomus species.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Look for the overall plain silvery body, often with a faint dusky blotch below the spinous dorsal fin. Lack of prominent bars or spots helps differentiate it.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fin Length

   Note the relatively long pectoral fins, which extend past the origin of the anal fin.

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