Depth
Mugil · Bony Fish

Flathead Mullet

Mugil cephalus

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Mugil
Species cephalus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationLarge, torpedo-shaped mullet with a broad, flat head and widely spaced eyes. Blue-grey back with silver flanks marked by faint longitudinal dark stripes. Adipose eyelid partially covers the eye.
  • SizeUp to 120 cm total length and 8 kg, commonly 40 to 70 cm.
  • Social HabitHighly gregarious, forming large schools in harbours, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.
  • HabitatCoastal waters, harbours, estuaries, lagoons, and river mouths. Tolerates fresh, brackish, and marine water. Often seen at the surface.
  • DepthSurface to 120 m, predominantly in the first 10 m.
  • Feeds OnAlgae, organic detritus, small invertebrates, and biofilm from substrate surfaces. A detritivore that vacuum-feeds from the bottom.
  • DistributionWorldwide in tropical and temperate seas. Common throughout the Mediterranean.
  • DescriptionThe largest and most widespread grey mullet in the Mediterranean. Schools of flathead mullet are a familiar sight in every Maltese harbour, cruising along quaysides and breakwaters. Its broad, flat head with the characteristic adipose eyelid makes it easy to distinguish from other mullet species.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Flathead Mullet species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A detritivore that scoops up sand and mud to extract organic matter, algae and microorganisms. Often seen in groups stirring up sediment clouds while feeding.

Detritivore

Reproduction

Migrates offshore to spawn in autumn and winter. Produces large numbers of pelagic eggs, with juveniles returning to shallow coastal waters.

Offshore spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Forms large schools that provide safety in numbers. Capable of explosive bursts of speed and can leap clear of the water to escape predators.

Schooling

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Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Mugil cephalus. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide