Flathead Grey Mullet

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Coastal waters worldwide, in coastal lagoons and muddy estuaries where they feed on organic detritus.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Mugilidae. Streamlined, robust body with a broad, flat head. Large eyes with adipose eyelids. Grows to 40 cm in captivity.

Social Behavior: Active, fast-swimming schooling fish. They cruise the aquarium constantly in coordinated groups.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Olive-green or grey back, silver flanks with thin dark longitudinal lines. Sessi are indistinguishable.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a long aquarium (at least 150 cm length) with soft sand substrate. Large swimming space and strong water circulation are key.

Diet and Feeding: Detritivore. Readily eats spirulina flakes, herbivorous sinking wafers, algae, and frozen artemia. They sift the sand constantly.

Water Quality: Highly tolerant of varying salinity. Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water. Keep ammonia at zero.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe with large, robust brackish species like monos, scats, and archerfish. Do not keep with slow species.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawns in offshore marine waters. Captive breeding is not possible in home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk, especially when startled. Make sure the tank has a heavy, tight-fitting lid.