Jenkinsia
Jenkinsia is a genus of fish in the family Clupeidae, commonly known as herrings or sardines. These small, silvery fish are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are characterized by their slender bodies, deeply forked tails, and the absence of a lateral line.
Common Names
Species within the genus Jenkinsia are commonly referred to as "round herrings" or "slender herrings."
Characteristics
Jenkinsia species share a number of defining characteristics:
- Slender, fusiform (torpedo-shaped) body
- Deeply forked tail fin
- Absence of a lateral line
- Small, cycloid scales
- Dorsal fin located in the middle of the body
- Usually silvery in color, often with darker markings
Environments
Jenkinsia fish are typically found in coastal waters, particularly in areas with abundant plankton. They are often associated with coral reefs and seagrass beds. Some species are known to inhabit deeper waters, including the mesopelagic zone.
References
For more information, please refer to the following resources: