Mottled Mojarra
This may also be a Slender or Spotfin Mojarra. They look very similar, making reliable visual identification difficult.
| Name: | Mottled Mojarra |
| Scientific Name: | Eucinostomus lefroyi |
| Family: | Mojarras |
| Taxonomic: | Gerreidae |
| ID Group: | Silvery Fishes |
| Size: | 4 - 7 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
| Similar Species: | Slender Mojarra, Spotfin Mojarra |
The Mottled Mojarra has a bright silver body with dark blotches or bands on its back, giving it a mottled look. The blotches on the back are faint and may not be easily visible in all individuals. Its snout is pointed, and its fins are mostly clear. A dusky spot is often visible above its eye.
This Mojarra is often found in very shallow waters, including right near the shore where waves break. Its diet consists of tiny crustaceans, worms, and mollusks, which it finds by sifting through sand and mud with its extendable jaw. It is also a common food source for larger fish and birds.