Fin's Fish Guide
The Sicklefin mullet (Liza falcipinnis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along West Africa, in coastal water, lagoons, estuaries and mangroves; tolerates a wide range of salinity.
Description
The sicklefin mullet is a streamlined, silvery mullet of the family Mugilidae reaching about 35 cm. The torpedo-shaped body has a blue-grey back, fine stripes along the scale rows and a strikingly sickle-shaped first dorsal fin. With its broad, inferior mouth it grazes and sifts bottom algae, diatoms, detritus and small bottom animals from the mud. The species lives in schools in coastal water, lagoons, estuaries and mangroves along the West African coast and tolerates a wide range of salinity. To spawn it migrates to sea. Through its great numbers and tasty flesh it is an important food fish in West Africa and the basis of an active lagoon fishery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sicklefin mullet?
The Sicklefin mullet is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Streamlined, silvery mullet with a sickle-shaped first dorsal fin; grazes biofilm and bottom silt with its inferior mouth.
Where does the Sicklefin mullet live?
The Sicklefin mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along West Africa, in coastal water, lagoons, estuaries and mangroves; tolerates a wide range of salinity.
How big does the Sicklefin mullet get?
The Sicklefin mullet grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Sicklefin mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Sicklefin mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sicklefin mullet edible?
Yes, the Sicklefin mullet is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Liza
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Sicklefin mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sicklefin mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.