Lebranche mullet


The Lebranche mullet or the liza is a species of saltwater fish in the family Mugilidae. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and is fished commercially.

Description

The size of a liza is commonly about 40 centimetres, a record size is 80 cm. There are 5 dorsal spines with 8 dorsal soft rays and 3 anal spines with 8 anal soft rays.

Distribution

Mugil liza occurs in coastal waters in the Caribbean Sea and along the eastern seaboard of America from Florida south to Argentina. It is found in marine and brackish environments and even ventures into freshwater sometimes.

Biology

Mugil liza is a detritivore and also feeds on filamentous algae. Spawning takes place offshore in the summer between May and August. The fecundity rate is high and several million eggs are produced. These are non-adhesive and are pelagic. The males mature at a younger age than the females and are less numerous.