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Plastics in Colombian marine-coastal ecosystems are being fragmented by various environmental factors, generating microplastics (size < 5 mm), an emerging pollutant that is ingested by marine organisms, representing a threat to ecosystems and potentially also to humans. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of microplastic ingestion by fishes from mangrove ecosystems in Cispata, Colombian Caribbean. The digestive tract content of 302 specimens of 22 fish species were analyzed using the KOH digestion method (500 g/5 L), stereoscopic visual identification and infrared spectroscopy. A total of 69 microplastics were found in the digestive tract of 7% of the analyzed fishes. 55% of the ingested microplastics were filaments, 23% fragments, 19% films, and 3% foam. The results of this study raised concerns about microplastic contamination in the marine environments, a threat to the fishery resource and to public health, which requires actions to prevent and reduce its negative effects. • First study on microplastic intake by fishes from a Colombian Caribbean mangrove • The guts of 302 individuals of 22 fish species were examined for microplastics. • At least eight of 22 fish species analyzed are ingesting microplastics. • Microplastic intake prevalence in this study (7%) is low compared to other studies. • Microplastics pollution in mangroves is a threat to fishery resources and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]