Mullets - Mugilidae
MULLETS - MUGILIDAE
These long silvery fish have a blunt snout and small mouth. They swim in groups and have a nomadic lifestyle. These groups range from a few to often more than a hundred fish, swimming over large sandy areas. Mullets scoop up sand in search of algae, fish eggs and detritus. Most Mugilidae family are found in brackish and sweet water; only a few inhabit salt water. Length: 60 cm.
Distribution: from the Red Sea to French Polynesia, S- Japan and Lord Howe.
Upper lip with prominent papillae, short snout and small mouth. Dark spot on upper
pectoral fin base. Feeds on algae, diatoms and detritus of bottom sediment.
Usually in small schools at sandy areas of lagoon and reef flats.