Striped Mullet
Mullet
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Scientific Name:
Mugil cephalus Saltwater
Inshore
Native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Elongated fish with an olive green to grayish-blue back that fade to silvery white sides and belly. Rows of spots make black lines along upper sides that fade as they go down. Blunt nose with a small, upturned terminal mouth, and large eyes. Average about 1 to 6 pounds and 8 to 12 inches.
Range and Habitat
Live in coastal temperate and tropical waters around the world. Tolerate a wide range of salinities from full saltwater to fresh. Often found in freshwater systems that open into brackish esturaries and in coastal nearshore waters. Migrate offshore to spawn. Juveniles move into estuaries to grow and hide from predators. Prefer sandy or muddy bottoms.
Behavior
Mullet eat zooplankton, detritus (dead and decaying plant and animal matter), and small insects. Normally found in large schools. Often seen jumping out of the water. An important part of the food chain because they are food for many birds and other predatory fish.