Fin's Fish Guide
The White mullet (Mugil curema) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 91 cm.
Atlantic Ocean on both sides, in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons over soft bottoms; strongly euryhaline.
Description
The white mullet is a silvery mullet of the family Mugilidae reaching about 90 cm but usually smaller. The streamlined body has a blunt head, a small mouth and a golden spot on the gill cover. Like other mullets it takes mouthfuls of bottom mud and growth and, with fine gill rakers and a muscular gizzard-like stomach, sifts out detritus, diatoms and algae. The species lives in coastal water, estuaries and lagoons on both sides of the Atlantic and tolerates strongly varying salinities. It forms schools that sometimes leap from the water. With its tasty flesh and roe the white mullet is an important commercial and sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the White mullet?
The White mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery mullet with a golden blotch on the operculum; feeds on detritus and algae from the bottom, with a gizzard like that of a bird.
Where does the White mullet live?
The White mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Atlantic Ocean on both sides, in coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons over soft bottoms; strongly euryhaline.
How big does the White mullet get?
The White mullet grows to a maximum of about 91 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the White mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the White mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the White mullet edible?
Yes, the White mullet is a highly prized food fish.
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Status & sources
Same genus Mugil
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the White mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.