Mullets are surface dwelling fish, occurring predominantly in shallow coastal habitats, such as reefs, estuaries and mangrove. Some species are attracted to man-made structures such as boat jetties and marinas.

Globally more than 70 species are recognised from 17 genera, though most species are from just two genera - Liza and Mugil. Large species of mullet can grow to over 80 cm long, but most species are smaller reaching 10 to 30 cm in size. Typically they occur in large shoals when young, but larger specimens become more solitary.

Mullets are plain-coloured, typically with silvery flanks and dark grey to greenish above. Faint lateral stripes may sometimes be present. They are strong swimmers : their bodies are elongate and torpedo-shaped. Their tail fins are squarish to moderately forked, and there are always two separate dorsal fins.

Their mouths are small, and they feed on organic or algal detritus which is either taken from the surface, or is sifted from sandy or muddy substrates. They tend to advance into shallow waters with the rising tide, sometimes congregating at the mouths of small freshwater streams which discharge into mangrove areas.

Mullets occur worldwide, in both tropical and temperate seas. At least 20 species are likely to occur in Southeast Asia.

Order : Mugiliformes
Family : MUGILIDAE
Species : Globally more than 70 species in 17 genera.
Maximum Length : different species range in length from 6 cm to over 80 cm.
 

References : F3, F4