Mugilidae (Mullets) |
45 cm FL (male/unsexed) |
demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine, catadromous |
Africa: endemic to South Africa, in east coastal estuaries and rivers from the Breƫ River to Kosi Bay (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Description: Adipose eyelids rudimentary, just visible in adults; upper jaw, maxilla, mostly hidden when mouth closed (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 5 spines and 8 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 9 soft rays; origin of anal fin in advance of origin of second dorsal fin (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral series 43-45 (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Silvery grey in colour (Ref. 4393, 52193). |
Adults occur in freshwater to estuarine conditions. Adults breed at sea, throughout the year; juveniles move into estuaries and enter rivers usually in late winter or early spring (Ref. 52193). Females remain in freshwater for 7 years, males for 4 years (Ref. 52193). Return to estuaries before maturing sexually prior to spawning (Ref. 52193). Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205). Feed on benthic algae and small invertebrates over muddy bottom (Ref. 6465). Decline in population from obstruction, by dams and weirs, of free passage into rivers. |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2007 Ref. (130435)
|
harmless |
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