Diamond-scale Mullet, Liza vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825)

Scientific name: Liza vaigiensis
  • Updated
    19/02/19
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Diamond-scale Mullet, <i>Liza vaigiensis</i> Click to enlarge image
A Diamond-scale Mullet feeding at the surface, Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, August 2002. Image: John Pogoonoski
© John Pogoonoski

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Liza
    Species
    vaigiensis
    Family
    Mugilidae
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 55 cm in length.

Introduction

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.

Habitat

It occurs in lagoons, shallow sandy areas, mangroves and rivers.

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.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

Diamond-scale Mullet is a schooling species.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557. (as Ellochelon vaigiensis)