MojarraGerreidae

Mojarras (Gerreidae) are silvery fish with strongly laterally compressed bodies and deeply forked caudal fins. A distinguishing feature is their highly protusible mouth, which can be extended downwards into a tube. Most species display a series of faint vertical bars or dark spots along their flanks. 🌊 Red Sea species typically grow to 15-30 cm (6-12 in), though some individuals can reach over 40 cm (16 in). The family name Gerreidae derives from the Greek 'gerres', referring to a wickerwork basket, alluding to their scoop-like mouth.

They inhabit shallow coastal waters, typically over sand flats, seagrass beds, or soft bottoms adjacent to reefs, from the intertidal zone down to 50 metres (164 ft). Mojarras feed by sifting through sand and mud with their extended jaws, consuming small benthic invertebrates. They are often encountered in schools, slowly moving over the substrate.