MulletsMugilidae

Mullets (Mugilidae) are common schooling fish characterised by moderately elongated, cylindrical bodies that grow up to 60 cm (2 ft) long. Their large, silvery scales often display faint longitudinal stripes along the sides. A key feature is the presence of two widely separated dorsal fins, the first being spiny and the second soft-rayed. Many species have a distinctive adipose eyelid, which partially covers the eye, and a small, often subterminal mouth adapted for grazing.

They inhabit shallow coastal waters, frequenting sandy flats, seagrass beds, and reef lagoons from the surface down to 30 metres (100 ft). As detritivores, mullets feed by continuously sifting sand and mud for organic particles or by scraping algae and diatoms from hard surfaces. These activities often involve slow, coordinated movements of entire schools across the substrate.