Striped Mullet

The flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is a significant species within the mullet family, Mugilidae, known for its role in global fisheries and aquaculture. This species inhabits coastal temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters across the globe. Typically, the flathead grey mullet ranges from 30 to 75 centimeters (12 to 30 inches) in length. It is referred to by various English names, including flathead mullet, striped mullet (as recognized by the American Fisheries Society), black mullet, bully mullet, common mullet, grey mullet, sea mullet, and simply mullet.

Primarily a diurnal species, the flathead grey mullet is often found in coastal environments, frequently entering estuaries and rivers. It tends to form schools over sandy or muddy substrates, feeding on a diet that includes zooplankton, decomposing plant material, microalgae, and detritus. Adults predominantly consume algae in freshwater habitats. As an euryhaline species, the mullet can adapt to varying salinity levels.

Morphologically, the flathead grey mullet is characterized by an olive-green back, silvery sides, and a white-shaded belly, often displaying six to seven distinct horizontal stripes. The fish lacks a lateral line and features thin lips. The common length for this species is approximately 50 centimeters (20 inches), with a maximum length reaching 100 centimeters (39 inches) and a maximum weight of 8 kilograms (18 pounds).

Due to its economic significance, the flathead grey mullet is extensively fished and farmed worldwide. In 2012, global capture fisheries reported a yield of approximately 130,000 tonnes, while aquaculture production reached 142,000 tonnes.

The ontogeny of mugilid larvae, particularly Mugil cephalus, has been thoroughly researched due to the species' extensive distribution and aquaculture relevance. A 2021 study focused on the previously understudied osteological development of this species, describing four embryonic and six larval development stages in both aquaculture-reared and wild specimens. This research provided clarity on ambiguous adult characteristics and offered valuable insights for phylogenetic studies and comparison of aquaculture-reared mullets to detect any malformations.

The mullet's roe is a delicacy in various international cuisines, prepared as a specialty food by salting, drying, and compressing. Such delicacies include Greek avgotaraho, 🇹🇼 Taiwanese Wuyutsu, 🇰🇷 Korean eoran, 🇯🇵 Japanese karasumi, Italian bottarga, French poutargue, Turkish Haviar, and 🇪🇬 Egyptian batarekh. In 🇪🇬 Egypt, the mullet itself undergoes salting, drying, and pickling to produce fesikh.

On the coasts of Northwest Florida and Alabama, known locally as striped or black mullet, this fish is a specialty in many seafood restaurants. Commonly served fried, it is also enjoyed smoked, baked, or canned. Local fishermen typically utilize cast nets or land-based seine nets to catch mullet, which is highly regarded and often prepared at home. While the flathead grey mullet is popular, the white mullet (Mugil curema) is more frequently consumed in Florida due to its preference for cleaner waters, resulting in a milder taste. Mullet is generally filleted, and the remaining frames are used for preparing fish stock in chowders and stews.