Striped Mullet: Mugil cephalus

Appearance:

• Color bluish-gray or green above, shading to silver on sides with distinct horizontal black barrings, white below
• Fins lightly scaled at base, unscaled above
• Blunt nose and small mouth
• Second dorsal fin originates behind that of the dorsal fin

Habitat:

Striped mullet are commonly found inshore. 

Behavior:

Adult striped mullet migrate offshore in large schools to spawn.  Juveniles migrate inshore at about 1 inch in size, moving far up tidal creeks.  These fish are frequent leapers and feed on algae, detritus and other tiny marine forms.

State Record:

This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Additional Information:

Striped mullet are common to 3 pounds but in aquariums are known to reach 12 pounds or more.

Striped mullet are similar in appearance to the white mullet, M. curema; fantail mullet, M. gyrans.  Both white and fantail mullet have black blotch at base of pectoral fin, which is lacking in the striped mullet.

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles