The striped mullet, Mugil cephalus, is a widely distributed and commercially significant fish species known by numerous common names, including flathead mullet and grey mullet. Found in coastal waters across the globe, this fish has adapted to a variety of habitats, making it a prominent part of many marine and estuarine ecosystems. Its importance to human populations stems from its role in both commercial fisheries and aquaculture, providing a source of food and a highly valued delicacy derived from its eggs.
Identifying Features and Taxonomy
The striped mullet possesses a robust, somewhat cylindrical body shape that is slightly compressed toward the front. Its coloration is generally a grayish-olive to bluish-green on the back, fading to silvery sides and a white belly. The most defining visual characteristic is the presence of several dark, horizontal stripes that run the length of its body, formed by dark spots located at the base of each scale on its upper sides.
This fish has a small, terminal mouth and a noticeably broad, flattened head, which is the basis for the common name “flathead mullet.” A unique feature is the prominent adipose eyelid, a transparent, fatty tissue that partially covers the eye, leaving only a narrow slit over the pupil. The scientific name is Mugil cephalus.
Global Range and Habitat Versatility
The distribution of Mugil cephalus is nearly cosmopolitan, spanning the tropical, subtropical, and temperate coastal waters of all major seas, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. This extensive global range is directly tied to the species’ remarkable physiological adaptation known as euryhalinity.
Euryhalinity allows the striped mullet to tolerate an enormous range of salinities, from hypersaline environments to completely fresh water. Adults are commonly found in marine waters but routinely migrate into brackish estuaries, lagoons, and even far up freshwater rivers. This adaptability means the fish can thrive in varied environments, providing the species with a vast habitat range.
Unique Feeding Strategy and Ecological Role
The striped mullet is a primary consumer, exhibiting a specialized diet that classifies it as a detritivore and herbivore. Its feeding strategy involves scraping microalgae from hard surfaces and sucking up the upper layer of soft bottom sediments. This intake consists mainly of decaying organic matter, known as detritus, and the associated microorganisms.
To process this abrasive and low-nutrient material, the fish has a highly muscular, thick-walled stomach that functions like a gizzard. The sand and mud particles ingested along with the food items assist this gizzard-like organ in mechanically grinding the organic matter. This grinding action is necessary for nutrient extraction and digestion. Ecologically, this feeding habit makes the striped mullet an important link, transferring energy to higher trophic levels when it is consumed by predators.
Commercial Value and Culinary Uses
The striped mullet is a highly valued species in global fisheries and aquaculture, where it is farmed in freshwater, brackish, and marine ponds. It is caught and marketed worldwide, sold fresh, dried, salted, or frozen for its meat, which is considered an excellent food fish in many regions.
The most economically significant product derived from the striped mullet is its roe, or egg sac. The roe is carefully removed, cleaned, salted, pressed, and air-dried to create a dense, amber-colored delicacy known internationally as bottarga. This cured roe is highly prized and fetches high prices. Bottarga is typically shaved or grated over pasta, salads, or served thinly sliced as an appetizer, providing a rich, salty, and umami-forward seasoning.