White mullet
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit sandy coasts and littoral pools but also occurs in muddy bottoms of brackish lagoons and estuaries. Sometimes penetrate rivers. May also be found on coral reefs . Juveniles are common in coastal waters and are known to find their way to estuaries and coastal lagoons. Growth in juveniles is moderate (30-40 cm in 4 years). Adults form schools . Feed on microscopic or filamentous algae and small juveniles of planktonic organisms . Reproduction occurs between March and August. Spawn several million eggs provided with a notable yolk . Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive . Maximul size 910 mm TL for western Central Atlantic specimens, eastern Central Atlantic specimens may reach 350 mm TL and commonly reach 250 mm TL . An important foodfish, it is marketed fresh and salted .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Diagnosis: body stout, rounded in cross-section; head broad; inter-orbital space flat; a well developed adipose eyelid covering most of pupil . Upper lip simple, thicker and deeper than in most Mugil species, armed with 2-3 rows , teeth in outer row curved, monocuspid and moderately close-set or widely spaced , inner row of less closely set, smaller teeth may be present just posterior to outer row . Lower lip with single row of unicuspid teeth, usually smaller than teeth in outer row on upper lip . A vertical line from hind end of upper jaw positioned midway between posterior nostril and anterior eye margin; maxillary pad not visible below corner of mouth when closed; origin of 1st dorsal fin equidistant from snout tip and caudal-fin base; pectoral axillary process well developed (30-37% of pectoral-fin length) . (Second) dorsal and anal fins entirely (and more or less densely) covered with scales . Anal fin usually III-9 (rarely III-10) in adults (usually II-10 in juveniles
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for White mullet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for White mullet is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; reef-associated; catadromous ; depth range 0 - 300 m, usually 0 - 20 m. Subtropical; 43°N - 34°S, 114°W - 16°E north of Cape Cod (Harrison, pers.
🌿 Ecology
microscopic or filamentous algae and small juveniles of planktonic organisms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"White mullet is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 289 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for White mullet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liza curema | Valenciennes | 1836 | Synonym |
| Mugil charlottae | Steindachner | 1902 | Synonym |
| Mugil guentherii | Gill | 1863 | Synonym |
| Mugil metzelaari | Chabanaud | 1926 | Synonym |
| Mugil petrosus | Valenciennes | 1836 | Synonym |
| Myxus harengus | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
| Myxus splendens | Mohr | 1927 | Synonym |
| Querimana harengus | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 539 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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