Flathead Mullet (Mugil cephalus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Flathead Mullet is a fish that swims in schools along U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts and the southern California coast. Adults have a broad, flattened head and thin dark stripes along their sides. Flathead Mullet is also called Striped Mullet.

Appearance

Appearance: Adults have a broad, flattened head, silvery sides with thin dark stripes, and a fatty clear cover over much of each eye. Young fish under about 6 in (15 cm) may not show the stripes yet.

Look-alikes

White MulletMugil curema

Adult Striped Mullet usually show lengthwise dark lines. White Mullet lacks those strong lines and has scales extending onto the soft dorsal and anal fins; a close photo of the fins helps with young fish.

Why they get mixed upBoth mullets occur in Florida coastal waters.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Florida coasts
estuaries
coastal rivers
Range: It lives along U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts and the southern California coast. In Florida it also enters rivers, canals, and lakes connected to coastal waters.
Preferred conditions: It uses both salt water and fresh water and often swims over sandy or muddy bottoms.
When it’s recorded: Recorded year-round, every year
1,495 observations in the US · 10 years · for referenceChoose a state

Behavior

Diet: It feeds mainly on tiny algae and organic matter collected near the bottom.
Social life: Adults often travel in schools and may leap above the surface.

Life cycle

Breeding season: Along the Gulf Coast, adults move offshore to in fall and winter.

Name and classification

About the name: Fish recorded around the world as Mugil cephalus may include several distinct species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Striped mullet is a familiar food fish along Florida's Gulf Coast.

16 sources