Striped Mullet: Mugil cephalus
- 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
Striped mullet are commonly found inshore.
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
This species is not currently eligible for a state record.
Fishing Tips and Facts:
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.