Yelloweye Mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri (Valenciennes, 1836)
Conmuri, Coorang Mullet, Estuary Mullet, Forster's Mullet, Freshwater Mullet, Pilch, Victor Harbour Mullet, Yelloweye
Introduction
As its standard name suggests this temperate water species has a yellow iris.
Identification
The Yelloweye Mullet can be recognised by its yellow eye and relatively large mouth. It has two 'triangular' dorsal fins and a weakly forked caudal fin. It lacks a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
Habitat
It occurs in temperate inshore and estuarine waters, usually on sandy or muddy substrates.
Distribution
It occurs in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is known from southern New South Wales, around the south of the country including Tasmania and north to the central coast of Western Australia.
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.
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. in Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, Pp. 1-2178.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. Family Mugilidae. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.