Fin's Fish Guide
The Largescale mullet (Chelon macrolepis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The largescale mullet is a mullet of the family Mugilidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with conspicuously large scales, to which the name refers. As a euryhaline species it lives in coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons and river mouths, tolerating strongly varying salinities. It forms schools and grazes the bottom: it takes mouthfuls of sand and mud layers from which it sifts algae, diatoms, detritus and small invertebrates. The largescale mullet is a locally valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Largescale mullet?
The Largescale mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly large scales; euryhaline, schooling bottom grazer of estuaries and coastal waters.
Where does the Largescale mullet live?
The Largescale mullet lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific; coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons and river mouths.
How big does the Largescale mullet get?
The Largescale mullet grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Largescale mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Largescale mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Largescale mullet edible?
Yes, the Largescale mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chelon
More from the family Mugilidae
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