Brachygenys jessiae
The body is silver with yellowish tones and horizontal stripes running the full length of the flanks. It forms large synchronized schools near rocky reefs, underwater walls, and coastal zones — making it one of the most frequent observations during snorkeling at sites such as León Dormido.
It feeds primarily on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and benthic organisms on the seafloor. It constitutes important prey for sharks, sea lions, predatory fish, and seabirds — occupying a key intermediate trophic level within the reef food web.
Schooling behavior is an antipredator strategy that reduces individual risk through the dilution effect and the visual confusion generated by synchronized group movement.
The presence of large salema schools is an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems. Their conservation is directly linked to the protection of marine environments and the integrity of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
