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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Mugil curema
Mugil curema
(White Mullet)
Marine Fishes
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Mugil curema Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1836

Common name: White Mullet

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Robins and Ray (1986); Fischer et al. (1995).

Size: 20 cm.

Native Range: Marine, ascending into freshwaters. Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Massachusetts, Bermuda, and northern Gulf of Mexico to southeastern Brazil in the Atlantic; also in the West Indies, the eastern Atlantic and the eastern Pacific (Ramirez-Hernández and Gonzales Pages 1976; Robins and Ray 1986). Gulf of California to Chile in the Pacific (Ramirez-Hernández and Gonzales Pages 1976; Fischer et al. 1995).


Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences: Introduced into Salton Sea, California, in 1950 and 1951 (Walker et al. 1961; Dill and Cordone 1997).

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Mugil curema are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CA195019511Salton Sea
TX195519551East Galveston Bay

Table last updated 10/6/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Intentionally stocked. A total of 90 fish was stocked in 1950-1951 (Walker et al. 1961).

Status: The introduction failed to produce a viable population and the species is extirpated in the Salton Sea.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Dill, W.A., and A.J. Cordone. 1997. History and status of introduced fises in California, 1871-1996. Calilfornia Department of Fish and Game. Fish Bulletin 178.

Fischer, W., F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K.E. Carpenter, and V.H. Niem. 1995. Guía FAO para la identificatión de especies para los fines de la pesca. Pacifico centro-oriental. Volumen III. Vertebrados - Parte 2. Vol. III: 1201-1813. Roma, FAO.

Ramirez-Hernández, E. and A. Gonzales Pages. 1976. Catalogo de peces marinos Mexicanos. Mexico, D. F.: Secretaría de Industia y Comercio, Instituto Nacional de Pesca.

Robins, C.R., and G.C. Ray. 1986. A field guide to Atlantic Coast fishes of North America. The Peterson Guide Series, volume 32. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA.

Walker, B.W., R.R. Whitney, and G.W. Barlow. 1961. Fishes of the Salton Sea. 77-92 in B.W. Walker, ed. The ecology of the Salton Sea, California, in relation to the sport fishery of California. Fish Bulletin of the California Department of Fish and Game 113.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary

Author: Fuller, P.

Revision Date: 10/8/2019

Peer Review Date: 11/30/2011

Citation Information:
Fuller, P., 2024, Mugil curema Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1836: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=789, Revision Date: 10/8/2019, Peer Review Date: 11/30/2011, Access Date: 10/6/2024

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [10/6/2024].

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