Identity and Appearance
The species appears under both Crenimugil and Moolgarda in modern references. Its thick upper lip bears rows of small projections arranged in ridges. Similar-looking mullets require attention to mouth structure; the common name alone is not a reliable identification.
Size and Weight
A maximum standard length of 50 cm is reported, about 19.7 inches without the tail fin. A common length is 23 cm, also measured without the tail. No dependable measured maximum weight was established for this species. Large weight records belonging to other mullets should not be transferred to it.
Habitat and Range
Records extend through the eastern Indo-West Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and eastern Australia. Turbid coastal channels and gravel-bottomed waters are documented habitats. River records show that it is not restricted to saltwater near the coast.
Natural Food and Fisheries
Species-specific feeding and breeding information remains limited in aquaculture reviews. General mullet diets are insufficient to justify a detailed menu for this particular fish. It has been considered for aquaculture research, but that potential does not establish a tested recreational bait recommendation.
Beyond the Estuary
This fish’s distribution includes freshwater reaches well above river mouths. Its ability to use marine, brackish and fresh water is central to understanding its habitat; a freshwater observation does not turn it into a permanently landlocked species.
All Lakes With Blacktail Mullet
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Blacktail Mullet records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.