Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, cylindrical, laterally compressed posteriorly; head flat on top; color bluish-black on back, silvery on sides; no dark spots on scales, no horizontal stripes on sides; dark blotch at base of pectoral fin; pigment around eye limited to upper iris; gold spot on shoulder (upper opercle). |
Similar Species |
Differs from the striped mullet by having no horizontal stripes, pigment on eye limited to upper iris, has a gold spot on shoulder; juveniles can be distinguished by counting elements (spines and rays) in anal fin (12 for white mullet, 11 for striped mullet). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
90 cm (35 1/2 in), common to 30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. IV+I,8; A. III,9 (juvenIles A. II,10) (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
Maximum size 12 in. from Oct. through Jan., (includes all species), no size limits in other months; no bag limit; Check for state record. |