Mullets: Mugiliformes

Most mullets reach about 8 inches (20 centimeters) in total length, but some may be as long as 31 to 39 inches (80 to 100 centimeters). The head is broad and flat on top. In most species, the teeth are very small or may even be absent. In many species, the teeth are on the lips. The eyes of mullets may be partially covered by fat. There is no lateral (LAT-uhr-uhl) line, a series of pores and tiny tubes along each side of the body, used for sensing vibrations. Mullets usually are grayish green or blue on the back, and the sides are silvery, often with dark stripes. The belly is pale or yellowish. Mullets have two short, well-separated dorsal (DOOR-suhl) fins and a short anal fin. The pectoral fins are high on the body, and the tail fin is slightly forked. The dorsal fin is the one along the midline of the back. The anal (AY-nuhl) fin is the one along the midline of the belly. The pectoral (PECK-ter-uhl) fins are the front pair, corresponding to the front legs of four-footed animals.