India’s vast coastline of over 7,500 km is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including an impressive variety of sea fishes. Among the most sought-after are the Indian mackerel, tuna, sardines, seer fish, pomfret, and barracuda, which play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and support a thriving fishing industry. These sea fishes are not only vital for the economic and cultural survival of millions of people in India’s coastal communities, but also serve as a prized catch for sport fishermen, owing to their fierce fighting spirit. Despite their importance, unsustainable fishing practices and overfishing are posing a significant threat to their long-term sustainability. It is imperative to undertake conservation efforts to ensure the sustainable management of India’s marine resources and preserve the livelihoods of the countless people who depend on them.
Mugil Cursula, commonly known as the Indian striped mullet, is a fish species found in the coastal regions of the Indian Ocean, including India. It is a small-sized fish that can grow up to 30 cm in length, with a slender and elongated body that is silver-grey in color with vertical stripes on its sides. The Indian striped mullet is a highly migratory fish that moves between estuaries and coastal waters, and it is known to travel long distances for breeding purposes. It is an important food fish for many coastal communities and is also popular among sport fishermen for its strong fighting ability.
| Serial No. | Characteristics | Description |
| 1. | Common name | Corsula Mullet |
| 2. | Scientific name | Mugil corsula |
| 3. | Colour | Dark grey or brown on the upper body, silver on the sides, and a white belly |
| 4. | Average length in m | Can grow up to 30 cm in length |
| 5. | Average weight in kgs | Can weigh up to 0.5 kg |
| 6. | Found in | Found in coastal waters and estuaries of the Indian Ocean and parts of the western Pacific Ocean |
| 7. | Habitat | Prefers shallow, brackish waters with sandy or muddy bottoms |
| 8. | Any special characteristics | They are known for their jumping ability and are often seen jumping out of the water. |
Features
Mugil Cursula, also known as the striped mullet, is a species of fish that can be found in coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The body of Mugil Cursula is typically silver or gray, with black vertical stripes along the sides of its body. The average weight of an adult Mugil Cursula is around 1-2 kg (2-4 pounds), but they can grow up to 4 kg (9 pounds).
They can reach up to 70 cm (28 inches) in length. Mugil Cursula are known for their speed and agility in the water. They are capable of swimming at speeds up to 37 km/h (23 mph). Mugil Cursula feeds on algae, diatoms, and other small organisms. They are known for their jumping ability and are often seen jumping out of the water.
Habitat
Mugil cursula is a coastal marine fish species that is widely distributed in the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Its habitat includes shallow coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and mangrove areas, where it feeds on algae, diatoms, and small organisms. Mugil cursula can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels and is often found in areas with fluctuating salinity, such as estuaries and lagoons, where they are able to move between saltwater and freshwater. They are also known to migrate seasonally to find suitable spawning grounds. In some areas, Mugil cursula is an important commercial fish species and is caught using various fishing methods such as seine nets, gillnets, and traps.
River System
They are found in Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta located in eastern India and Bangladesh, and characterized by its large, slow-moving rivers and extensive mangrove forests. They are also found in the Mahanadi River system which is located in the eastern state of Odisha. The river system is characterized by its wide, slow-moving rivers and extensive wetlands.
Threatened Status
The conservation status of grey mullet varies depending on the region, but in general, the species is considered to be of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, in some areas, certain populations may be threatened due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution.
In the Mediterranean, the species is classified as “Endangered” due to overfishing and habitat degradation caused by human activities such as coastal development, dredging, and pollution. In Australia, grey mullet populations have declined significantly in some areas due to overfishing and habitat loss, leading to local extinctions in some regions.
