The grey mullet, scientifically known as Mugil cephalus, thrives in coastal tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. Its adaptability allows it to inhabit a wide range of habitats, including estuaries, rivers, and marine environments. These fish are mainly diurnal and often form schools over sand or mud bottoms, where they feed on a diverse diet consisting of zooplankton, dead plant matter, and detritus.
The grey mullet possesses distinctive physical characteristics that make it easily identifiable. Its back showcases an attractive olive-green coloration, while the sides exhibit a shimmering silver hue that fades into white near the belly. Notably, this species may exhibit six to seven lateral horizontal stripes. With an average length of approximately 50 centimeters (20 inches) and a maximum length of 100 centimeters (39 inches), grey mullets can reach a maximum weight of eight kilograms (18 pounds).
The grey mullet's adaptability and cosmopolitan nature allow it to thrive in various coastal waters. Its distribution spans the tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones of all seas, reaching as far north as the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean and Nova Scotia. This remarkable fish species occupies diverse habitats, including fresh, brackish, and marine environments, with depths ranging from 0 to 120 meters (0 to 394 feet) and water temperatures between 8 to 24 degrees Celsius (46 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
Australia serves as a notable habitat for the grey mullet, with populations extending from Far North Queensland to the Kimberley region in Western Australia. They can also be found in the Bass Strait area of Tasmania. Thriving in both tropical and temperate coastal marine and estuarine waters, grey mullets exhibit adaptability to a wide range of salinity levels. It is not uncommon to spot them in lagoons, lakes, and estuaries, with occasional migrations back to the sea for spawning purposes.
In the western United States, the striped mullet, a closely related species, historically ranged far up the Colorado River and the Gila River. However, due to dam constructions and restricted flows to the Gulf of California, the striped mullet's range in Arizona has been limited to the Colorado River below Laguna Dam and the lower end of the Gila River. These mullets can be found in the mainstream and lateral canals of the Gila River region, often occurring in small groups and pelagic in larger pools.
The grey mullet holds significant importance in both commercial fisheries and aquaculture practices worldwide. This delicious and nutritious food fish is highly sought after, contributing to reported catches of approximately 130,000 tonnes through fishing in 2012. Moreover, aquaculture production accounted for 142,000 tonnes during the same period. The grey mullet's popularity stems from its delicate flavor and versatile culinary uses, making it a prized ingredient in various cuisines across the globe.
To gain a better understanding of grey mullet populations and their preservation, scientists have conducted extensive studies on the ontogeny of mugilid larvae. Among the species, Mugil cephalus has received particular attention due to its wide distribution and relevance to aquaculture. In a recent 2021 study, researchers investigated the osteological development of Mugil cephalus, providing valuable insights into embryonic and larval developmental stages. This research not only aids in identifying malformations but also contributes to phylogenetic hypotheses and further advances aquaculture practices.
The grey mullet's culinary appeal extends across various cultures and regions, with its roe being a particularly prized delicacy. The roe is often salted, dried, and compressed to create specialty foods such as Greek avgotaraho, Taiwanese Wuyutsu, Korean eoran, Japanese karasumi, Italian bottarga, French poutargue, Turkish Haviar, and Egyptian batarekh. In Egypt, the fish itself is salted, dried, and pickled to produce fesikh, a unique culinary tradition.
In the coastal regions of Northwest Florida and Alabama, the striped or black mullet, a close relative of the grey mullet, takes center stage in local seafood restaurants. While fried mullet remains the most popular preparation method, smoked, baked, and canned mullet also find their way onto dining tables. Local fishermen employ various techniques to catch mullet, often utilizing cast nets or land-based seine nets. Mullet's delicate flavor and versatility make it a staple ingredient in households, with leftover frames utilized for fish stock, chowders, and stews.