SPRINGS FIELD GUIDE
Mojarra
FISH PROFILE
COMMON NAME
Mojarra
Scientific name
Eucinostomus harengulus
FAMILY
Gerreidae
LENGTH
10 to 15 centimeters
DIET
Shrimp, plants, invertebrates
FISH PROFILE
COMMON NAME
Mojarra
Scientific name
Eucinostomus harengulus
FAMILY
Gerreidae
LENGTH
10 to 15 centimeters
DIET
Shrimp, plants, invertebrates
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Mojarras are silver fishes with compressed bodies and deeply forked caudal fins. They are distinguished by their protruding mouths. Their jaws, when opened, form an extended tube to probe soft sandy bottoms when feeding. Their maximum length is about 15 inches, but most species do not attain lengths greater than 10 inches.
RANGE, HABITAT, and BEHAVIOR
Mojarras are typically found in tropical and warm temperate regions. They are primarily found in estuaries on vegetated bottoms, and mangroves with sand and mud bottoms, but also inhabit freshwater areas. Most species travel in large schools to avoid large predators. They are abundant in American tropics and the East Indian region. Their diet consists of shrimp, plants and invertebrates
FUN FACTS
There are about 53 species of mojarra found worldwide. The tidewater mojarra, Eucinostomus harengulus, is the most common mojarra in Florida’s freshwater springs, although other species of mojarra may be present as well. Mojarra are sometimes used as snook bait by fishermen.