Chelon richardsonii (Smith, 1846)
South African mullet
photo by SFSA

Family:  Mugilidae (Mullets)
Max. size:  40.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine, catadromous
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: South African coastal waters from Walfish Bay to Natal.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9
Biology:  Found in coastal waters, mainly off rocky points and sandy beaches; may enter estuaries which serve as nursery areas (Ref. 27121). Feed mainly on diatoms and detritus, but also on planktonic crustaceans (Ref. 27121). Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205). A primary target species of the inshore net fishery and much of it is sold salted and dried and known as 'bokkoms'. It is also an important exhibit species in public aquaria in South Africa. It is parasitised by the monogenean Gyrodactylus molweni on the external body surface (Ref. 124050).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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