Fin's Fish Guide
The Greenback mullet (Chelon subviridis) is a fish of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The greenback mullet is a mullet (Mugilidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a greenish back, to which the name refers. It lives in schools in coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries and sometimes enters river mouths. With its inferior mouth it scrapes and sifts detritus, diatoms, algae and small bottom animals from the sediment. It is a valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greenback mullet?
The Greenback mullet is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greenish back; detritus-eating schooling fish of coastal waters and estuaries.
Where does the Greenback mullet live?
The Greenback mullet is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries.
How big does the Greenback mullet get?
The Greenback mullet grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Greenback mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Greenback mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Greenback mullet edible?
Yes, the Greenback mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chelon
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Greenback mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greenback mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.