Flagfin Mojarra
The Flagfin Mojarra, Eucinostomus melanopterus , is a member of the Mojarra or Gerreidae Family and is known in Mexico as mojarra de ley. Globally, there are eleven species in the genus Eucinostomus, all found in Mexican waters, with seven in the Atlantic and four in the Pacific Ocean.
The Flagfin Mojarra is only distinguished by a black spot at the base of the pectoral fins, but this location is hard to see on most specimens. The Flagfin Mojarra has brassy overall coloring with greenish reflections that are more prominent along the lateral line. A dark brown stripe is present from the mouth to above the pectoral fins. The lateral line is a silver-white color that extends below into a forked caudal fin.
The Flagfin Mojarra inhabits rocky and coral reefs, most frequently associated with dead corals, from shoreline inshore waters to depths of up to 149 feet (45 m). It is usually solitary or occurs in pairs, and feeds on a variety of invertebrates.
While the Flagfin Mojarra has been recorded from Mazatlan southward along the Pacific coast of Mexico, it has not been reported from Baja California Sur. The species is primarily caught by trawls and not by hook-and-line. It is a generally uncommon species, but has been recorded in larger numbers from off Punta Banda and Isla San Roque, however it is also common off Puerto Vallarta.
The Flagfin Mojarra does not form large schools but sometimes aggregates with other members of the genus Eucinostomus. Adults are primarily found in shallow water extending down to 98 feet (30m); while juveniles are mostly associated with coral reefs.
The Flagfin Mojarra is of limited interest to fisheries, but the species is occasionally caught by trawl or seine fisheries for human consumption. There are no data on population trends.
The Flagfin Mojarra is a small fish, growing to a maximum overall length of 9.8 inches (25 cm), and most do not exceed 8 inches (20 cm). They have been reported as reaching an age of six years. The Flagfin Mojarra is considered a good food fish, and is often sold fresh in local markets. Other members of the genus Eucinostomus are also used for human consumption.
Global flagfin mojarra production
The flagfin mojarra, also known as the Pacific flagfin mojarra, is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Erythrinidae. It is found in the western Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan to Palau and New Guinea. This species can reach a length of 40 centimeters (16 inches). It is of commercial importance in some areas and is sometimes seen in the aquarium trade.
The flagfin mojarra is a commercially important fish in some areas of its range. It is often caught using nets and is used as food fish or for the aquarium trade. This species can also be found in the freshwater aquarium trade. The flagfin mojarra is not considered to be a threatened species. However, overfishing and habitat loss could become a problem in the future.
Global production of flagfin mojarra (Eucinostomus argenteus) is estimated to be between 50,000 and 60,000 tonnes per year. The vast majority of this fish is caught in the wild, with aquaculture accounting for only a small portion of total production. Flagfin mojarra is found in the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Florida, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean from Baja California to Peru.
This popular fish is highly sought-after for its mild flavor and delicate texture. It is commonly used in soups, stews, and ceviche. The flagfin mojarra is also an important fish in the aquarium trade.
Despite its high commercial value, the flagfin mojarra is not currently considered to be at risk of overfishing. However, this could change in the future if fishing pressure on this species increases. Aquaculture may provide a sustainable source of this fish in the future.