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Species · Lookalikes

Irish PompanoorYellowfin Mojarra

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

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Irish PompanoDiapterus auratus
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Yellowfin MojarraGerres cinereus

Rules for both fish from 0 state rulebooks, checked Sep 14, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Irish Pompano

Deep, silvery mojarra with stout dorsal spines and a forked tail; not a pompano at all.

Irish pompano, next to yellowfin mojarra: deeper, stronger dorsal spines.

Yellowfin Mojarra

Silvery, deep-bodied mojarra with yellow pelvic and anal fins and a protrusible mouth; sandy flats.

Yellowfin mojarra, next to irish pompano: yellow fins, less deep.

Side by side

Irish PompanoYellowfin Mojarra
Scientific nameDiapterus auratusGerres cinereus
Also calledMojarraYellowfin
WatersInshoreInshore
Heaviest state record
On the tableBait.Edible, bony — better as bait.
Rules of its own in0 states0 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

StateIrish Pompano: size · bag · seasonYellowfin Mojarra: size · bag · season

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, irish pompano or yellowfin mojarra, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell irish pompano from yellowfin mojarra?

Irish Pompano: Deep, silvery mojarra with stout dorsal spines and a forked tail; not a pompano at all. Yellowfin Mojarra: Silvery, deep-bodied mojarra with yellow pelvic and anal fins and a protrusible mouth; sandy flats. Yellowfin mojarra, next to irish pompano: yellow fins, less deep. Irish pompano, next to yellowfin mojarra: deeper, stronger dorsal spines.

Which is better to eat, irish pompano or yellowfin mojarra?

Irish Pompano: Bait. Yellowfin Mojarra: Edible, bony — better as bait.