Diamond-scale Mullet, Liza vaigiensis
Diamond-scale Mullet is a schooling species found in lagoons, shallow sandy areas, mangroves
and rivers. It occurs throughout the tropical Indo-West and Central Pacific.
Identification -The Diamond-scale Mullet is silvery-grey with black scale margins. It has a
truncate caudal fin. Juveniles have black pectoral fins.
Size range - The species grows to 55 cm in length.
Distribution - It occurs throughout the tropical Indo-West and Central Pacific. In Australia it is
known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to northern
New South Wales.
Habitat -It occurs in lagoons, shallow sandy areas, mangroves and rivers.
Behaviour and adaptations - Diamond-scale Mullet is a schooling species.
Flat-tail Mullet, Liza argentea
The Flat-tail Mullet can be separated from the other Australian species by the lack of an axillary
process at the base of the pectoral fins and by the number of lateral line scales (35-38) and anal fin
rays (10). The species is light brown above, silver below and has dusky coloured dorsal and caudal
fins. The eyes of live fish are purple with golden flecks, and the posterior region of the operculum
is golden.
Number of species -Over twenty species of mullet are known from Australian waters
Identification -The Flat-tail Mullet can be separated from the other Australian species by the lack
of an axillary process at the base of the pectoral fins and by the number of lateral line scales (35-38)
and anal fin rays (10). The species is light brown above, silver below and has dusky coloured
dorsal and caudal fins. The eyes of live fish are purple with golden flecks, and the posterior region
of the operculum is golden.
Size range - The Flat-tail Mullet grows to 30 cm in length.
Distribution - The species is endemic to Australia. It occurs in tropical and temperate waters from
northern Queensland, around the south of the country and north to the central coast of Western
Australia.
Habitat -Young fish are often found in coastal streams. Older fish live in estuaries and along sea
beaches.