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Smalleye mojarra (Gerres microphthalmus) — Gerreidae

Smalleye mojarra

Gerres microphthalmus
Family: Gerreidae

The Smalleye mojarra (Gerres microphthalmus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gerreidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–20.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan

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Description

The smalleye mojarra is a mojarra (Gerreidae) from shallow coastal, estuarine and mangrove water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, shiny silver body with a highly protrusible, downward-pointing mouth. As a bottom-oriented fish it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out worms, small crustaceans and molluscs. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Smalleye mojarra?

The Smalleye mojarra has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Smalleye mojarra live?

The Smalleye mojarra lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan

How big does the Smalleye mojarra get?

The Smalleye mojarra grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Smalleye mojarra dangerous to humans?

No, the Smalleye mojarra is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Smalleye mojarra sourced
Scientific name
Gerres microphthalmus
Family
Gerreidae
Other names
Small-eyed whipfin mojarra sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Gerres

More from the family Gerreidae

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