Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific flagfin mojarra (Eucinostomus currani) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gerreidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Eastern Pacific from Central to South America, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The Pacific flagfin mojarra is a small, mirror-silver fish of the family Gerreidae (mojarras) reaching about 21 cm. The laterally compressed body stands out for its far downward-protrusible, tube-shaped mouth, with which the fish sucks prey from the soft bottom. The species forms schools over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons along the eastern Pacific, from Central to South America, and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches for worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger fish and seabirds and is also used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific flagfin mojarra?
The Pacific flagfin mojarra has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, mirror-like silver fish with a tube mouth that can be protruded far downwards, with which it sucks prey out of the bottom.
Where does the Pacific flagfin mojarra live?
The Pacific flagfin mojarra lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific from Central to South America, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Pacific flagfin mojarra get?
The Pacific flagfin mojarra grows to a maximum of about 21 cm.
Is the Pacific flagfin mojarra dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific flagfin mojarra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pacific flagfin mojarra edible?
The Pacific flagfin mojarra is rarely eaten.
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Same genus Eucinostomus
More from the family Gerreidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific flagfin mojarra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific flagfin mojarra is one of 12,519 species in the app.