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Dwarf Mullet (Mugil curvidens) — Mugilidae

Dwarf Mullet

Mugil curvidens
Family: Mugilidae

The Dwarf Mullet (Mugil curvidens) is a saltwater fish of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 34 cm.

Length
34.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–5.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic, in shallow coastal waters.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The dwarf mullet is a small mullet (Mugilidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 34 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-grey body with two separate dorsal fins. It inhabits shallow coastal waters; adults stay near sand at shallow depth, while juveniles often occur in rock pools. As an omnivore it grazes detritus, algae and small bottom organisms from the substrate and mud. Reproduction is by pelagic, non-adhesive eggs. Owing to its small size the species is of modest fishery importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf Mullet?

The Dwarf Mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small mullet of shallow coastal waters; juveniles in rock pools.

Where does the Dwarf Mullet live?

The Dwarf Mullet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, in shallow coastal waters.

How big does the Dwarf Mullet get?

The Dwarf Mullet grows to a maximum of about 34 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Dwarf Mullet dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf Mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf Mullet edible?

The Dwarf Mullet is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Dwarf Mullet verified
Scientific name
Mugil curvidens
Family
Mugilidae
Other names
Dwarf mullet; Sand mullet verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
34.3 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
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
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic, in shallow coastal waters. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Detritus, algae and small bottom organisms sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Small mullet of shallow coastal waters; juveniles in rock pools. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Mugil

More from the family Mugilidae

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