Author: Valenciennes, 1836
FBname: White mullet
Comments: Inhabit sandy coasts and littoral pools but also occurs in muddy bottoms of brackish lagoons and estuaries.  Sometimes penetrate rivers.  May also be found on coral reefs (Ref. 9710).  Juveniles are common in coastal waters and are known to find their way to estuaries and coastal lagoons.  Growth in juveniles is moderate (30-40 cm in 4 years).  Adults form schools (Ref. 9321).  Feed on microscopic or filamentous algae and small juveniles of planktonic organisms (Ref. 9626).  Reproduction occurs between March and August.  Spawn several million eggs provided with a notable yolk (Ref. 35237).  Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205).  Maximul size 910 mm TL for western Central Atlantic specimens, eastern Central Atlantic specimens may reach 350 mm TL and commonly reach 250 mm TL (Ref. 81659). An important foodfish, it is marketed fresh and salted (Ref. 9321).