A small marine and estuarine fish species belonging to the Gerreidae family, native to tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Florida to Brazil.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marine environments, estuaries, mangrove ecosystems, and shallow coastal waters with sandy or muddy substrates, typically at depths between 0-20 meters.
Ecological Role
Important component of coastal marine food webs, serving as prey for larger predatory fish and contributing to nutrient cycling in marine and estuarine ecosystems.
Morphology
SKIN COATSmooth, scaleless body with faint longitudinal stripes characteristic of the species
LIMBS WINGSPaired pectoral and pelvic fins, dorsal and anal fins for locomotion and stability
HEAD SENSORYTerminal mouth with protruding lower jaw, large eyes adapted for coastal and estuarine environments
BODY STRUCTURECompressed, elongated body with silvery-gray coloration, typically reaching 25-30 cm in total length, with a forked caudal fin
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Sandra Raredon/Smithsonian Institution
