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Fantail Mullet

Mugil gyrans

Appearance

Illustration of a fantail mullet showing important characteristics
  • Back is olive green with blue tints, shading to silvery sides and a white belly
  • Anal and pelvic fins yellowish
  • Dark blotch at base of pectoral fin
  • Second dorsal fin starts behind the beginning of the anal fin
  • Inverted V-shaped mouth Lacks dark stripes

Similar Species: Striped mullet, M. cephalus (has stripes and lacks black blotch at base of pectoral fin), and white mullet, M. curema (lacks pigmented second dorsal fin)

Size: Usually less than 1 pound 

Habitat

Coastal waters, occurring along beaches in the fall.

Behavior

Spawn in nearshore or inshore waters during spring and summer. Juveniles found inshore.  Feed on algae, small crustaceans and decaying matter.

Additional Information

State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record.

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles