MUGILIDAE


Moolgarda seheli, FRLM 30712, 25.7 cm SL

Moolgarda seheli (Forsskål, 1775)
Bluespot mullet

D IV - 8 - 9; A III, 8 - 9; P1 16 - 19; LR 36 - 42. Body relatively slender, compressed posteriorly. Head width subequal to depth, flattened dorsally; adipose eyelid weakly developed posteriorly, not covering iris; hind tip of maxilla concealed when mouth closed. Second dorsal and anal fins pointed but not falcate; caudal fin deeply emarginate. Scales cycloid with narrow membranous posterior margin. Color: head and body silvery, darkened dorsally; several indistinct, dusky longitudinal stripes on body; dusky spot at dorsal insertion of pectoral fin; caudal fin bluish. Size: 50 cm SL, commonly to 20 - 30 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: found in shallow coastal waters, and frequently enters lower reaches of streams, estuaries, and mangrove swamps. Feeds detritus, small algae, and diatoms. Marketed fresh and salted.