Fishby LogoFishby

Flathead Grey Mullet

Ohutu

Mugil cephalus

Tuntud ka kui: Striped Mullet, Common Mullet, Black Mullet, Sea Mullet, Mugil, Muge

Kas sul on foto? Tuvasta kala koheselt Fishby rakendusega.

Ava rakendus

Kirjeldus

Mugil cephalus, commonly known as the Flathead Grey Mullet, is a euryhaline and catadromous fish species found in coastal tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is characterized by its robust, cylindrical body, flattened head, and distinctive adipose eyelid. This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting a wide range of environments from marine to freshwater, and plays a significant ecological role as a detritivore and a commercially important food fish.

Füüsilised omadused

Keha kuju
torpedo
Värvus
Dorsal side is typically olive-green to bluish-grey, fading to silvery sides and a white belly. Often has 6-7 faint longitudinal stripes along the sides, which may be more prominent in younger individuals.
Soomuse tüüp
cycloid
Suu asend
terminal
Eristuvad tunnused
Flattened head with a small, terminal mouth., Prominent adipose eyelid covering most of the eye, leaving only a vertical slit for the pupil., Two widely separated dorsal fins., Large, cycloid scales.
Seljauim
Two distinct dorsal fins; the first with 4 strong, rigid spines, and the second with 8-9 soft rays. The first dorsal fin originates anterior to the pelvic fins.
Sabauim
Moderately forked caudal fin.
Rinnauim
Short, high-set pectoral fins, typically with 16-18 rays.
Eristuvad uimed
Pelvic fins are abdominal, located well behind the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Tuvastusnõuanded

Adipose Eyelid

Look for the distinctive fatty eyelid that covers most of the eye, leaving only a vertical slit for the pupil. This is a key identifier for Mugil cephalus.

Dorsal Fins

Note the two widely separated dorsal fins. The first is spiny and the second is soft-rayed. The origin of the first dorsal fin is anterior to the pelvic fins.

Body Shape and Coloration

Observe the robust, cylindrical body and the flattened head. The coloration is typically dark olive-green to bluish-grey dorsally, silvery on the sides, and white ventrally, often with faint longitudinal stripes.

Mouth

The small, terminal mouth with thick lips is characteristic. Mullets are bottom feeders, and their mouth structure is adapted for sifting through sediment.

Elupaik

Vee tüüp
brackish
Sügavus
Typically found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and even freshwater rivers, usually from the surface down to about 120 meters (390 feet).
Keskkond
Highly euryhaline, inhabiting marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms where it can feed on detritus and algae. Often found in areas with seagrass beds or mangroves. Juveniles frequently utilize estuaries as nursery grounds.
Geograafiline levik
Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters. Found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Indo-Pacific region.

Akvaariumi teave

  • Hooldustase: advanced
  • Temperament: peaceful
  • Toitumine: filter_feeder
  • Minimaalne paagi suurus: 500 gallons
  • Temperatuur: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
  • pH tase: 7.0-8.5
  • Karedus: 10-25 dGH
  • Ühilduvus: Generally peaceful with other large, non-aggressive species. Best kept in species-specific tanks or very large community tanks with robust tankmates.
  • Erinõuded: Requires very large tanks with excellent filtration due to their size and feeding habits. A sand or fine gravel substrate is essential for their detritivorous feeding. They are sensitive to poor water quality and require stable parameters. Not typically recommended for home aquaria due to their size and specific needs.

Looduslik teave

  • Kaitsestaatus: least concern
  • Hooajalisus: Spawning typically occurs offshore in autumn and winter, leading to seasonal availability in some fisheries. Availability can be year-round in many regions due to widespread distribution and aquaculture.
  • Turuhind: Varies significantly by region and season, often moderate to high due to demand for roe (bottarga).
  • Kaubanduslik tähtsus: high
  • Maitse: Mild, slightly oily, with a distinct flavor that can be earthy depending on diet and habitat.
  • Tekstuur: Firm, flaky, and moist.
  • Valmistamisviisid: Grilling, Baking, Frying, Smoking, Steaming, Used for roe (bottarga)
  • Toiteväärtus: Good source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Põhifaktid

Global Traveleramazing

Mugil cephalus has one of the widest distributions of any fish species, found in tropical and subtropical waters across all major oceans.

Euryhaline Masterbehavior

This species is remarkably euryhaline, meaning it can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from full marine to pure freshwater, allowing it to exploit diverse habitats.

Detritivore Dietbehavior

Flathead Grey Mullet are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter, algae, and small invertebrates found in the sediment, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling.

Leaping Mulletinteresting

Mullets are known for their characteristic leaping behavior, often jumping clear out of the water, though the exact reason for this behavior is still debated (e.g., escaping predators, clearing gills, or communication).

Bottarga Goldinteresting

The roe (eggs) of Mugil cephalus is highly prized, especially in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, where it is cured and pressed to produce a delicacy known as 'bottarga' or 'karasumi'.

Ohutuseteave

Ohutu
  • Ohutustase: safe
  • Mürgine: Ei
  • Söödavus: edible
  • Käsitsemisjuhised: Mugil cephalus is not venomous and poses no significant handling risks. They can be quite slippery due to their scales and mucus, so a firm but gentle grip is recommended if handling. No sharp spines or dangerous teeth.

Sarnased liigid

Thinlip Mullet

Liza ramada

Liza ramada has thinner lips and lacks the prominent adipose eyelid of Mugil cephalus. The pectoral fin of L. ramada is also longer, reaching past the eye when folded forward.

Thicklip Mullet

Chelon labrosus

Chelon labrosus has noticeably thicker lips, especially the upper lip, and a less developed adipose eyelid compared to Mugil cephalus. Its pectoral fin is also shorter, not reaching the eye.

Golden Grey Mullet

Liza aurata

Liza aurata typically has a distinct golden spot on the operculum (gill cover) and a less developed adipose eyelid. Its body is generally more slender than Mugil cephalus.

Teaduslik klassifikatsioon

Riik
Animalia
Hõimkond
Chordata
Klass
Actinopterygii
Selts
Mugiliformes
Sugukond
Mugilidae
Perekond
Mugil
Liik
Mugil cephalus

Uuri lähemalt: Flathead Grey Mullet

Tuvasta kala ükskõik kus

Tasuta iOS-is, Androidis ja veebis. Fotopõhine tuvastus, täielikud liigiandmed ja palju muud.

Ava rakenduses