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Fairy mullet (Agonostomus telfairii) — Mugilidae

Fairy mullet

Agonostomus telfairii
Family: Mugilidae

The Fairy mullet (Agonostomus telfairii) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 75 cm.

Length
75 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion I., Seychelles
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The fairy mullet is a mullet (Mugilidae) of islands in the western Indian Ocean, such as Madagascar and the Mascarenes. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body. Unlike most mullets it lives mainly in fresh and brackish water of rivers and streams and migrates to sea to spawn. It eats insects, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fairy mullet?

The Fairy mullet has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Fairy mullet live?

The Fairy mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion I., Seychelles

How big does the Fairy mullet get?

The Fairy mullet grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.

Is the Fairy mullet dangerous to humans?

No, the Fairy mullet is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Fairy mullet edible?

Yes, the Fairy mullet is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fairy mullet sourced
Scientific name
Agonostomus telfairii
Family
Mugilidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
75 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Africa: Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion I., Seychelles sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Agonostomus

More from the family Mugilidae

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