Mullets are common inhabitants of warm seas in nearshore waters that feed upon fine algae and surface scums by inhaling and filtering sediments through fine gill rakers.  Mullets often leap out of the water and will do so to escape nets.  They are popular food fishes and raised in aquaculture.  The family has a pair of widely separated dorsal fins and pectoral fins set high on the body.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 5 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 5 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 5 feet

Smoothly tapered body with rounded snout.  Eyes covered by transparent adipose tissue.  Scale rows appear as alternating stripes; dark trailing edge on caudal fin.  Reaches at least 20 inches.  Inhabits nearshore waters and estuaries throughout the tropics.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 2 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 5 feet

Makapu'u tidepool, Oahu

Makai Pier, Oahu

Lower profile curves strongly upward from tip of pectoral fins to form sharp point at mouth.  Yellow spot at base of pectoral fins.  Lacks adipose eyelids.  Found in shallow water near the surf zone.  Reaches 12 inches.

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