How to Raise Mullet

Mullet are saltwater fish typically used as bait when small, or eaten when full grown. Grey mullet are gray with a darker gray stripe down the side and are scavengers -- adult mullet will eat algae and other detritus that falls to the bottom. In a saltwater fish tank, they can be used to keep the tank clean and serve as a warning sign when the oxygen levels begin to drop. They will generally surface and "mouth" the air -- gaping their mouths open above water -- as the water becomes brackish, well before the other fish in the tank will react.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater tank
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your saltwater tank to the temperature, salinity and water pH required for the other fish in your aquarium. Mullet are hardy, resilient fish that can survive in brackish water, as well as spend a short time in fresh water or in fresh saline conditions. While they can survive in a wide range of tank conditions, a clean, neutral pH saline tank is best, kept at a relatively warm 68 F.

    • 2

      Treat any signs of fungus quickly, if they become apparent. Grey mullet are resistant to most tank-born fungus infections, but they can occasionally catch them. If your mullet do catch a fungal infection, kill the fungus by moving the mullet to a freshwater tank. Saltwater fungus will die off when put into freshwater, but your mullet will be able to survive a short dunking -- up to several days.

    • 3

      Feed your mullet a commercially-manufactured tropical fish food. In truth, the mullet are more likely to eat the algae that develops on the gravel and tank decoration than the food itself, at least when fresh, but they will also eat the food itself. Choose a formulation that suits any other fish in the aquarium.

    • 4

      Place a lid on your tank. Mullet are active, athletic fish and will jump above the surface of your tank if it isn't covered. To reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, keep a lid on the tank to keep your mullet in the water.