Pacific Yellowfin Mojarra

Gerres simillimus

The Pacific Yellowfin Mojarra is a reef-associated fish found in tropical marine and brackish waters from southern Baja California and the lower Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. Divers can spot this species at depths ranging from the surface to 30 meters. Its body is silvery white with about eight faint dark bars on the sides, and the pelvic and anal fins have a yellowish hue. The fish has a deep, compressed body shape and a highly extensible mouth that points downward when protruded. This species is typically found inhabiting sandy bottoms adjacent to reefs and can also enter brackish estuaries. It feeds on insects, which it likely finds in the sand and surrounding waters. The Pacific Yellowfin Mojarra has a smooth lower border of the preopercle and large, conspicuous scales that cover most of its head and body. The Pacific Yellowfin Mojarra is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers encountering this species can observe its distinctive body shape and coloration, making it an interesting subject for underwater photography.