Neomyxus leuciscus (Günther, 1872)
Acute-jawed mullet
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Mugilidae (Mullets)
Max. size:  46 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 4 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: southern Japan (Ref. 9812), Mariana and Bonin Islands to the Hawaiian, Line, and Ducie Islands; Ifaluk, Mariana, and Marshall Islands in Micronesia. Reported from French Polynesia (Ref. 12792).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-11. Grey dorsally; silvery flanks; white ventrally (Ref. 9812). Pectoral fins darkish but with bright yellow spot at origin (Ref. 9812, 37816).
Biology:  Inhabit sandy shores, tide pools and rocky surge areas (Ref. 9812). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Form schools. Feed on seaweeds and some crustaceans at daytime. Tend to move inshore to surface waters at night (Ref. 9812). Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205). Caught at night with strong light and scooped up with hand nets (Ref. 9812).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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