Mojarras, classified broadly within the family Gerreidae, are small to medium-sized, silvery fish found in warm coastal waters, estuaries, and brackish lagoons, primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These fish are valued for their mild flavor and are important both as food fish and as bait in many regions. The term "mojarras, etc. not elsewhere included" in fisheries statistics often encompasses a variety of related and similar small perciform species that do not fit into more specific categories. The top fishing countries for mojarras and related species include Mexico, Venezuela, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target them for local consumption and market sales. These countries harvest mojarras using gillnets, cast nets, and beach seines, supporting coastal communities and contributing to local food security. While not as globally prominent as larger commercial species, mojarras play a crucial role in the livelihoods of many fishers in tropical and subtropical regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Indonesia | 25,528 |
2 | Mexico | 1,730 |
3 | Congo | 896 |
4 | Cuba | 856 |
5 | Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) | 335 |
6 | Colombia | 100 |
7 | Saudi Arabia | 45 |
8 | Puerto Rico | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.