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Diadromous Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Tropical

Largescale mullet

Planiliza macrolepis Smith, 1846
Max Length
60 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
6 yrs
Trophic Level
2.8
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Typical Length
26 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Occur in shallow coastal waters, and from brackish water to freshwater regions of rivers . Form schools ; in larger aggregations during spawning, which takes place at sea . Feed on small algae, diatoms, forams, benthic polychaetes, crustaceans, mollusks, organic matter and detritus; fry feed on copepods and floating algae . Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive . Caught mainly during the spawning season and is sold fresh; the roe is highly appreciated.

Scientific Name
Planiliza macrolepis
Authority
Smith, 1846
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
60 cm
Lifespan
6 years
Latitude
35°S – 32°N
Trophic Level
2.8
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Migration
Catadromous
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Planiliza
Planiliza
Species
Largescale mullet
Planiliza macrolepis

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. : fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Largescale mullet is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Largescale mullet is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Size at Maturity
23cm TL

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; catadromous ; depth range 10 - ? m . Tropical; 32°N - 35°S, 22°E - 136°W east coast of Africa, south to Eastern Cape in South Africa (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Catadromous
Trophic Level
2.8±0.17
🐠 Schooling
Food Items

small algae, diatoms, forams, benthic polychaetes, crustaceans, mollusks, organic matter and detritu

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01259 × L2.93 (TL)
Max TL
60cm
Dorsal Spines
5
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
32.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.8
Omnivore / Planktivore
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
32°N – 35°S
Described By
Smith, 1846

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 18.3 g
Omega-3 (total) 250 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Largescale mullet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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