How to Identify Gangetic Mullet

To identify Gangetic Mullet (Mugil gangeticus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Silvery body, darker dorsally, fading to white ventrally. Fins are generally dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Two widely separated dorsal fins, Small, terminal mouth, Adipose eyelid present, covering most of the eye, Pectoral fins relatively short, not reaching the origin of the first dorsal fin

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 4 strong spines, the second with 1 spine and 8-9 soft rays.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins with 16-17 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins subabdominal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Dorsal Fins

   Look for two distinct and widely separated dorsal fins. The first is spiny, the second is soft-rayed.

2. 2

   Adipose Eyelid

   Observe the eye; a prominent adipose eyelid covers a significant portion of the eye, leaving only a central slit for vision.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fin Length

   The pectoral fins are relatively short and do not extend to the origin of the first dorsal fin.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is indistinct or absent on the body scales, a common characteristic of mullets.

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