The striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and other mullets are found globally in temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical waters. They are primarily found naturally in marine and brackish waters; however, it has been found in freshwater as well. Intensive culture of these fish are actively practiced in the Indo-pacific and Mediterranean regions such as the Phillipines, Italy, Israel, India, Japan, and Egypt to name a few.

HABITS:

These fish are euryhaline species as their distribution would indicate and often inhabit shallow coastal waters. The mullets are benthic feeders that prey upon detritus, algae, and small crustaceans. Young mullets feed on diatoms and phytoplankton in the water column.

SPAWNING:

Mullets are traditionally spawned artificially in culture situations using the same "strip spawning" techniques developed in the trout industry. Because the collection of ripe wild mullet is difficult induced spawning techniques have been developed and implemented. Early attempts utilized mullet pituitary extract and the synthetic hormone synahorin. Carp pituitary extract is still commonly used, often in conjunction with synahorin later complemented with injections of luteinizing hormone. Catheters may be used to reduce handling stress during the hormone treatment. In any case, hormone induced spawning is necessary for the successful spawning of mullets. Females 4-6 years old are often chosen for spawning and are injected with hormone injected during the month of August (2 months prior to spawning). Ripe mullets spawn during October and eggs are placed in spawning baskets. Hatching occurs at 22 to 24 hours post fertilization in water temperatures of 21 to 29C. Only a few species of mullet, including the striped mullet, have been successfully spawned in captivity.

GROWTH:

The striped mullet may grow up to 18 inches in one year in India where as they only reach 12 inches during the same period of time in Florida. This is the largest representative of the cultured mullets and may obtain a maximum length and weight of 55cm and 2kg respectively.

USES:

Mullets are used primarily as a human protein source. They are a highly desired fish in the Indo-Pacific, Mediterranean, and southeastern regions of Asia as well as the previously mentioned localities.

CULTURE:

The mullets possess several desirable culture characteristics including their variable salinity tolerance, high quality of flesh, wide temperature range, and feeding habits. Additionally, they readily accept supplemental feeds such as rice bran, peanut meal and cake.

REFERENCES:

Bardach, J.E, J. H. Ryther, and W.O. McLarney. 1972. Aquaculture The farming and husbandry of freshwater and marine organisms. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Iverson E.S. and K. K. Hale. 1992. Aquaculture sourcebook a guide to north american species. Van Norstrand Reinhold, New York.