Family: |
Mugilidae (Mullets) |
Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed); 35 cm TL (female) |
Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range - 10 m |
Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: West Indies and the Atlantic coasts of Central and South America to southeastern Brazil. |
Diagnosis: |
|
Biology: |
Mainly found in brackish estuaries but also in marine and hyper-saline waters (Ref. 5217). During reproduction, they gather in small groups at the mouth of coastal rivers and creeks. Reproduction occurs in the early part of the year. Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205). Eggs which are rich in yolk are spawned by the millions. Upon hatching, juveniles move up to the swamps and coastal rivers over long distances, to seek for food and to protect themselves against predators (Ref. 35237). Marketed fresh or salted (Ref. 5217). The roe is marketed salt-pickled and dried and considered a delicacy (Ref. 5217). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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