Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Mugil cephalus
- Common name
- Flathead grey mullet
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Mugilidae
- Genus
- Mugil
- Size
- 30–100 cm
- Depth
- 0–120 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, estuarine
- Behaviours
- schooling
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Mugil cephalus, the flathead grey mullet, reaches 1 m. Elongated silver body, broad flattened head with characteristic fatty eyelids. Cosmopolitan: found along all temperate and tropical coasts. Forms dense schools near the surface in harbors, estuaries and shallow bays. Detritivore and microalgae grazer. A staple of global aquaculture.
Photo of Flathead grey mullet
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Flathead grey mullet?
- Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) reaches 30–100 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Flathead grey mullet?
- Flathead grey mullet is found between 0–120 m deep.
- Is the Flathead grey mullet dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Flathead grey mullet?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Flathead grey mullet?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Mugilidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126983)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 8189568)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia