Bigeye Mojarra

Eucinostomus havana

The Bigeye Mojarra is a ray-finned fish commonly found in the Western Atlantic, ranging from Bermuda and Florida to the Bahamas, the Antilles, and along the South American coast from Venezuela to Brazil. This species thrives in shallow, brackish waters, particularly favoring mangrove areas and sandy grounds with vegetation. Divers are likely to encounter them at depths up to 10 meters, though they can be found as deep as 45 meters. The Bigeye Mojarra is characterized by its fusiform body shape and typically grows to a maximum length of 18 cm, with a common length of around 14 cm. This fish primarily feeds on small benthic invertebrates, making it an integral part of the ecosystem by controlling invertebrate populations. The Bigeye Mojarra is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. Although it forms aggregations, it is not considered a significant target for fisheries and is often processed into fishmeal rather than being marketed fresh. Divers observing the Bigeye Mojarra will find it harmless and unassuming, as it is not highly esteemed in commercial fisheries. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern. While not a major draw for divers, spotting this fish can provide insight into the health of the mangrove and sandy bottom ecosystems where it resides.