Fin's Fish Guide
The Banana mullet (Mugil bananensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Atlantic; coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons of West Africa.
Description
The banana mullet is a mullet of the family Mugilidae from the eastern Atlantic off the coast of West Africa. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body typical of mullets. It inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, shallow marine areas and lagoons and tolerates very high salinities, far above that of seawater. With its small mouth it scrapes and filters phytoplankton, detritus and small bottom organisms from soft bottoms. Mullets often form large schools. The banana mullet is a locally valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banana mullet?
The Banana mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Tolerates very high salinities; scrapes and filters phytoplankton and detritus from soft bottoms.
Where does the Banana mullet live?
The Banana mullet lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic; coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons of West Africa.
How big does the Banana mullet get?
The Banana mullet grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Banana mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Banana mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banana mullet edible?
Yes, the Banana mullet is commonly eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Mugil
More from the family Mugilidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banana mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.