Striped Mojarra

Eugerres plumieri

The striped mojarra is a demersal fish recognized for its silvery appearance and compressed, diamond-shaped body. It has a dark olive hue on its upper body, transitioning to a lighter yellow underneath. Each scale features a central dark stripe, and its forked dorsal fin is dark grey. The anal fin is a light yellow-brown, and the fish's protrusible jaw gives it a unique appearance. Though it resembles other Gerreidae family members, its specific features help in distinguishing it. This species is found in the coastal regions of the Western Atlantic, ranging from South Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico. It thrives in brackish environments such as mangrove creeks and lagoons, and is adaptable to various salinity levels. Striped mojarra are often seen in shallow waters, particularly over muddy substrates, and can venture into freshwater areas. Divers might encounter these fish in groups, especially during the dry months when they gather in rivers and canal outlets. Their diet consists mainly of benthic invertebrates and zooplankton, and they are active feeders during the day. Reproduction involves laying eggs, with a high number of eggs produced during the spawning season from May to July, and a partial spawn from September to November. While the IUCN categorizes them as Least Concern, issues like overfishing and plastic pollution are notable challenges in specific regions like the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.