Description and characteristics
The mullet (Mugil sp.) is a medium-sized fish with an elongated, fusiform body covered with large, grey-silvery scales. It has a small mouth directed downwards and two large eyes. It moves in schools and is very fast.
Habitat and distribution
The mullet is euryhaline, tolerating salt, brackish and fresh water, being frequent in the lagoons, limans and coastal waters of the Danube Delta. It prefers calm waters and bottoms rich in detritus.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on detritus, algae, plankton and small invertebrates, filtering them from sediments. It forms large schools moving to areas rich in food.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in salt water, on the coast, in spring or summer. The young retreat toward brackish waters and limans, where they grow quickly.
Economic and ecological importance
The mullet has commercial and sport value, appreciated for its tasty flesh. Ecologically, it contributes to nutrient cycling in coastal and lagoon waters.
Threats and conservation
It is sensitive to water pollution and the blocking of migration routes. Protection of lagoons and coastal waters is important.
Fishing and legal minimum size
The mullet is fished with nets and coastal gear. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the mullet (Mugil sp.) has a minimum legal size of 25 cm.
Conclusion
The mullet is an adaptable fish, important for the brackish waters and the coast of the Danube Delta.