Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotfin mojarra (Eucinostomus argenteus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gerreidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The spotfin 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 western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil 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 Spotfin mojarra?
The Spotfin mojarra has a torpedo-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 Spotfin mojarra live?
The Spotfin mojarra lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of coastal water, estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Spotfin mojarra get?
The Spotfin mojarra grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Spotfin mojarra dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotfin mojarra is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotfin mojarra edible?
The Spotfin mojarra is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Eucinostomus
More from the family Gerreidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotfin mojarra?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotfin mojarra is one of 12,519 species in the app.