Flathead grey mullet

Mújol_(Mugil_cephalus),_Parque_natural_de_la_Arrábida,_Portugal,_2020-07-23,_DD_19.jpg

Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is a species of mullet found in coastal tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is a member of the family Mugilidae and is known for its economic importance in fisheries and aquaculture.

Description

The flathead grey mullet has a robust, elongated body with a broad, flat head. The body is typically silver in color with a bluish or greenish tint on the back. The fish can grow up to 100 cm in length and weigh up to 8 kg. It has two separate dorsal fins, the first with four spines and the second with one spine and eight soft rays. The anal fin has three spines and eight to nine soft rays.

Distribution and Habitat

The flathead grey mullet is found in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a euryhaline species, meaning it can tolerate a wide range of salinities. This adaptability allows it to inhabit both marine and freshwater environments.

Diet

Flathead grey mullets are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organic matter. Their diet includes algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. They are known to feed on the bottom, using their specialized mouthparts to sift through sediment.

Reproduction

The species is known for its migratory spawning behavior. Adults migrate to offshore waters to spawn, usually during the warmer months. The eggs are pelagic, meaning they float in the water column. After hatching, the larvae are carried by currents to coastal and estuarine areas where they grow and develop.

Economic Importance

Flathead grey mullets are an important species for commercial and recreational fishing. They are also widely used in aquaculture due to their fast growth rate and adaptability to different environments. The fish is valued for its mild-flavored flesh and is often used in various culinary dishes.

Conservation Status

The flathead grey mullet is not currently listed as endangered or threatened. However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose potential threats to its populations. Sustainable fishing practices and habitat conservation are essential to ensure the long-term viability of this species.

See Also

• Mullet
• Aquaculture
• Fisheries
• Euryhaline