Florida Fish Species: Striped Mullet

The following is courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
 
Appearance:   
Color bluish-gray or green above, shading to silver on sides with distinct horizontal black barrings, white below
Fins lightly scaled at base, unscaled above
Blunt nose and small mouth
Second dorsal fin originates behind that of the dorsal fin
 
Habitat:  Striped mullet are commonly found inshore.
 
Behavior:  Adult striped mullet migrate offshore in large schools to spawn.  Juveniles migrate inshore at about 1 inch in size, moving far up tidal creeks.  These fish are frequent leapers and feed on algae, detritus and other tiny marine forms.
 
State Record:  This species is not currently eligible for a state record.
 
Additional Information: Striped mullet are common to 3 pounds but in aquariums are known to reach 12 pounds or more.
 
Striped mullet are similar in appearance to the white mullet, M. curema; fantail mullet, M. gyrans.  Both white and fantail mullet have black blotch at base of pectoral fin, which is lacking in the striped mullet.