Description: color bluish-gray or green above, shading to silver on sides with distinct horizontal black barrings, white below; fins lightly scaled at base, unscaled above; blunt nose and small mouth; second dorsal fin originates behind that of the dorsal fin.

Similar Fish: white mullet, M. curema; fantail mullet, M. gyrans (both white and fantail mullet have black blotch at base of pectoral fin, which is lacking in the black mullet).

Where found: INSHORE.

Size: roe mullet common to 3 pounds but in aquariums known to reach 12 pounds or more.

*Florida Record: n/a

Remarks: adults migrate OFFSHORE in large schools to spawn; juveniles migrate INSHORE at about 1 inch in size, moving far up tidal creeks; frequent leapers; feeds on algae, detritus and other tiny marine forms.

* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.

The Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival - held on the third weekend in October, this popular festival is one of the largest in the Northwest Florida region. Attendance is estimated at 100,000 during the 3-day event. Highlights of the festival are arts, crafts, food and non-stop entertainment featuring well-known performing personalities. Montgomery Gentry, LoneStar, Ricky Skaggs and Diamond Rio are only a few of those who have performed at previous festivals. For information call 729-4545 or 729-4008.