Squaretail Mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis)

Squaretail Mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis)

    A large Squaretail Mullet seen at Bukit Chermin Boardwalk.

Family: Mugilidae
Species Name: Ellochelon vaigiensis
Common Name(s): Squaretail Mullet

Presence in Singapore: Native 
Habitat: Freshwater, brackish water and saltwater habitats. Commonly seen in estuarine habitats like tidal rivers.
Conservation status: Least Concern (Red Data Book 3)

This is a unique-looking mullet that can be commonly seen in Singapore's coastal habitats. It is very recognizable by its fins' yellow edges and smaller individuals would have silvery patches flanked by black ones on the top of its body. As its name suggests, it has a rather squarish tail as opposed to the usually seen vaguely forked tails in other mullets. This species has a maximum recorded length of 63 cm but unconfirmed sources suggest larger sizes. 

Predominantly a surface dweller, this omnivorous fish feeds on algae, detritus and other organic matter. Being a euryhaline fish, it is able to adapt to salinities ranging from freshwater to saltwater, hence the diverse habitats it can be found in. They return to the sea to spawn, laying eggs that are free-floating. 

Several small Squaretail Mullets presumably feeding at the surface at Eagle Point.

References

• Lim, K.K.P. & Low, J.K.Y. 1998. A Guide to Common Marine Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, 163 pp. ISBN 981-00-9904-5.
• National Parks Board (NParks). Marine Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/marine-fishes.