Fin's Fish Guide
The Keeled mullet (Liza carinata) is a fish of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The keeled mullet is a mullet (Mugilidae) from the Indo-West Pacific and the Red Sea. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a dorsal keel along the second dorsal fin, to which the name refers. It lives in schools in shallow coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries and tolerates strongly varying salinities. With its inferior mouth it scrapes and sifts detritus, diatoms, algae and small bottom animals from the sediment. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Keeled mullet?
The Keeled mullet is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Dorsal keel along the second dorsal fin; detritus-eating schooling fish that tolerates varying salinity.
Where does the Keeled mullet live?
The Keeled mullet is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific and Red Sea; coastal waters, lagoons and estuaries.
How big does the Keeled mullet get?
The Keeled mullet grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Keeled mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Keeled mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Keeled mullet edible?
Yes, the Keeled mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Liza
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Keeled mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Keeled mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone