Larval Striped Mullet (Mugil Cephalus) and White Mullet (Mugil Curema) off the Southeastern United States

Author： Collins Mark R. Stender Bruce W.

Publisher： University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

ISSN： 0007-4977

Source： Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.45, Iss.3, 1989-11, pp. : 580-589

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Abstract

Differences in temporal and geographical distributions of larval striped mullet and white mullet were observed in ichthyoplankton collections from off the southeastern United States over an 8-year period. Except for two individuals in November, striped mullet were taken only in winter and spring while white mullet occurred in all seasons. Although the two species were taken over identical depth ranges (9–914 m), white mullet were taken more frequently in the deeper areas while occurrences of striped mullet were evenly distributed across the depth zones. Both species exhibited a pattern of inshore movement with growth. Strong association with the surface was noted for both species with no indication of vertical migration. Striped mullet were taken more often at night and white mullet during the day, suggesting differences in diel activity patterns and probably accounting for the low co-occurrence in collections during months when both were present. During both winter and spring, depth range-specific correlations of minimum or maximum length with latitude were positive for striped mullet and negative for white mullet.