Striped mullet

What it is

This fish belongs to the mullet family and is recognised by its olive-green back and silvery sides. The belly fades to white, and some individuals display six or seven horizontal stripes along their flanks. It lacks a lateral line, which is a sensory organ many fish use to detect movement. Adults typically measure around 50 centimetres, though they can grow up to one metre and weigh eight kilograms. The lips are thin, suited for grazing on bottom sediments.

Where it lives

The species inhabits coastal zones in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions globally. In the Atlantic, it ranges as far north as Nova Scotia and the Bay of Biscay. It occupies depths from the surface down to 120 metres, tolerating temperatures between 8 and 24 degrees Celsius. In Australia, it is found from Queensland to Western Australia and Tasmania. It enters rivers and lakes due to its ability to handle varying salinity levels.

How it lives

Active mainly during the day, this fish often forms schools over sandy or muddy seabeds. It feeds on zooplankton, dead plant material, microalgae, and detritus. When in freshwater habitats, adults primarily consume algae. Its euryhaline nature allows it to acclimate to different salt concentrations, moving freely between the ocean, estuaries, and inland waters. This adaptability helps it exploit diverse food sources across various environments.

Breeding and life cycle

Although it lives in fresh and brackish waters, the species migrates back to the sea to reproduce. The larval development has been studied extensively to support aquaculture efforts. Recent research described specific embryonic and larval stages, helping to identify malformations in farmed stocks. These studies clarify adult characteristics and assist in understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the group.

Fish and people

It is a major food fish, with global production reaching 125,000 tonnes in 2024. Five per cent of this supply comes from farming. The roe is cured to make delicacies like Greek avgotaraho, Italian bottarga, and Japanese karasumi. In Egypt, the flesh is salted and dried to make fesikh. In the southeastern United States, it is fried, smoked, or canned, though the white mullet is often preferred for its cleaner taste.

Status and threats

Populations in Arizona have declined because dams restrict flow to the Gulf of California. The fish now remains only in lower river sections when water is available. While generally widespread, local declines highlight sensitivity to habitat changes and water management practices. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining river flows to support remaining groups in affected areas.

Relatives and look-alikes

It is often confused with the white mullet, which prefers cleaner water and has a less muddy flavour. Both species belong to the same genus and share similar habitats. The striped mullet is distinct due to its potential lateral stripes and broader tolerance for varied salinity levels compared to some relatives.

Questions people ask about Striped mullet

Good reading and sources

• Flathead grey mullet on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data