Flathead mullet

bounce off the water surface.

Scientific name	Mugil cephalus
English name	Flathead mullet
Japanese name	鰡（鯔）
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Mugiliformes Mugilidae
Full length	about 50cm
Distribution	Widely distributed in tropical and temperate zones.

Characteristics

A saltwater fish with a cylindrical shape. It has horizontal lines running down its body, and its back is blue-grey. Their fins look small, but they swim quite fast. The mouth isn't that big.

Ecology

It is commonly found in estuaries and brackish waters, as well as coastal areas. They swim in groups near the surface of the water and eat algae. May jump above sea level.

Some are eaten by cormorants.

Habitat

Niijima Maehama

I photographed 3 fish that were foraging in a tetrapod on the foreshore. They were swimming in small groups in shallow water. It didn't seem to be that wary of humans swimming, and continued to eat.