Fin's Fish Guide
The Black mullet (Mugil cephalus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Cosmopolitan in coastal waters of tropical, subtropical and temperate seas worldwide.
Description
The flathead grey mullet is a stout, cylindrical marine fish of the family Mugilidae that can reach about 100 cm. It has a flattened head, a well-developed adipose eyelid and silvery-grey flanks marked with faint longitudinal stripes. There are two separate dorsal fins, the first bearing spines. The species occurs cosmopolitanly in coastal, brackish and fresh waters of tropical to temperate seas and is catadromous, spawning at sea. Adults feed on detritus, micro-algae and bottom organisms, which they grind in a specialised gizzard-like stomach. Flathead grey mullet form schools over sand and mud bottoms and are an important commercial and aquaculture fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black mullet?
The Black mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Sturdy, cylindrical body with a flattened head, a well-developed adipose eyelid and a thin upper lip; flanks with pale longitudinal stripes.
Where does the Black mullet live?
The Black mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Cosmopolitan in coastal waters of tropical, subtropical and temperate seas worldwide.
How big does the Black mullet get?
The Black mullet grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Black mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Black mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black mullet edible?
Yes, the Black mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black mullet and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mugil
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Black mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.