Sea Mullet (Mugil cephalus)
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| A close view at a Sea Mullet found in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Family: Mugilidae Species Name: Mugil cephalus Common Name(s): Sea Mullet, Grey Mullet, Flathead Mullet Presence in Singapore: Native Habitat: Freshwater, brackish water and saltwater habitats. Commonly seen in estuarine habitats like tidal rivers. Conservation status: Data Deficient (Red Data Book 3), presumably abundant This is one of the more well-known mullets in Singapore as it is commonly seen and photographed at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This is a large species capable of growing up to a meter in length. Despite its similar build and appearance to other mullets in the same habitat such as species under the genus Planiliza, it can be identified via its extensive adipose eyelids (the fatty, transparent layer over its eye) and a blue spot at the base of its pectoral fins. Its overall colour is a dull to dark grey with a hint of blue or green. This species can commonly be seen travelling through tidal rivers such as at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Sungei Tampines especially during a rising to high tide. It is a euryhaline fish, being able to adapt to various salinities ranging from freshwater to seawater but they return to the sea to breed. The Sea Mullet is omnivorous and feeds near the bottom, sifting through sediment for algae, detritus and other organic matter. When threatened by predators, a school of Sea Mullets would leap out the water at high speeds. They also leap singly out of the water to rid themselves of irritants such as parasites. Globally, it is an important food fish.
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