Appearance
- Back is bluish-gray or green, shading to silvery sides and a white belly
- Indistinct horizontal black stripes on sides
- Second dorsal fin starts over the beginning of the anal fin
- Blunt nose and small mouth
- No black blotch at base of pectoral fin
Similar Species: Fantail mullet, M. gyrans; and white mullet, M. curema (both have a black blotch at base of pectoral fin and lack dark stripes)
Size: Common to 3 pounds
Habitat
Coastal waters
Behavior
Adult striped mullet migrate offshore in large schools to spawn. Juveniles migrate inshore at about 1 inch in size, moving far up tidal creeks. Frequent leapers and feed on algae, decaying matter and other tiny marine life.
Additional Information
State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record.
Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles