Top Flagfin Mojarra Fishing Countries

The flagfin mojarra (Eucinostomus melanopterus) is a small, silvery coastal fish found primarily in the western Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and along the coasts of Central and South America. Recognized by its distinctive black-tipped dorsal fin, the flagfin mojarra inhabits shallow sandy and muddy bottoms, estuaries, and lagoons. While not a major commercial target compared to larger species, it is harvested both for local consumption and as bait in artisanal fisheries. The top countries involved in flagfin mojarra fishing are typically those bordering the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, such as Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba. In these regions, the fish is caught using small nets and traps, supporting local economies and traditional diets, though it rarely features in large-scale export markets.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Sierra Leone590
2Spain23
3Guinea-Bissau20
4Mexico1

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.