Domain |
   Eukarya |
Kingdom |
   Animalia |
Phylum |
   Chordata |
Family |
   Mugilidae |
Description |
   Mullets |
Environment |
   Fresh, Brackish & Marine |
Etymology |
   Latin, mugil, -ilis = grey mullet |
Genus |
   20 |
No. of Species |
   76 |
Order |
   Mugiliformes |
Class |
   Actinopterygii |
Reproductive Guild |
   Nonguarders |
Distribution |
   All tropical and temperate seas. Chiefly marine (coastal) and brackish water; some in freshwater (Liza abu only in fresh and estuaries). Short description: Spinous (4 spines) and soft dorsal fins widely separated. Pelvic fins subabdominal; 1 spine, 5 soft rays. Lateral line hardly visible when present. Mouth of moderate size. Toothless or teeth small. Long gill rakers. Muscular stomach; extremely long intestine. Vertebrae 24-26. Maximum length about 90 cm. Travel in schools and feed on fine algae, diatoms, and detritus of bottom sediments. Important food fishes. Taxonomy: See Mugiliformes. |