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Mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola) — Mugilidae

Mountain mullet

Agonostomus monticola
Family: Mugilidae
LC · Least Concern

The Mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The mountain mullet is a mullet (family Mugilidae) of the western Atlantic and adjacent fresh water. The species grows to about 36 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body. It is unusual among mullets: it is the only one that ascends far inland and spends its adult life in clear mountain rivers, migrating to the sea to spawn (catadromous). Its diet consists of insects, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. The species is caught and eaten in parts of Central America and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mountain mullet?

The Mountain mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Mountain mullet live?

The Mountain mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Mountain mullet get?

The Mountain mullet grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Mountain mullet dangerous to humans?

No, the Mountain mullet is harmless to humans.

Is the Mountain mullet edible?

Yes, the Mountain mullet is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bergharder sourced
English name
Mountain mullet sourced
Scientific name
Agonostomus monticola
Family
Mugilidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
36.0 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas of klein kunstaas in heldere bergrivieren. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Agonostomus

More from the family Mugilidae

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