How to Identify Striped Mojarra

To identify Striped Mojarra (Eugerres plumieri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery body with 7-8 distinct, dark, vertical or slightly oblique stripes on the sides, which may fade or become less prominent with age. Fins are typically dusky or yellowish. The inside of the mouth and gill cavity are often dark.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Highly protrusible mouth, forming a downward-pointing tube when extended., Deeply notched dorsal fin with strong spines., Large, ctenoid scales., Dark vertical stripes on the flanks.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, deeply notched, with X-XI (usually IX) strong spines and 9-11 soft rays. The second dorsal spine is typically the longest and strongest.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins, reaching beyond the anal fin origin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with III spines and 7-8 soft rays. The second anal spine is notably long and robust, often longer than the second dorsal spine.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the compressed, silvery body with 7-8 prominent dark vertical stripes. These stripes are a key identifier, though they can be less distinct in larger or older individuals.

2. 2

   Mouth

   Observe the highly protrusible mouth, which can extend significantly downwards to form a tube for feeding on benthic organisms. This is a characteristic feature of the Gerreidae family.

3. 3

   Dorsal and Anal Spines

   Note the strong, prominent second dorsal spine and especially the very long and robust second anal spine. The length and strength of these spines are important for distinguishing it from other mojarra species.

4. 4

   Inside of Mouth/Gill Cavity

   The dark pigmentation inside the mouth and gill cavity is a reliable diagnostic feature for Eugerres plumieri.

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