The Fringelip Mullet – Crenimugil crenilabis is a species of mullet found in marine environments. This fish is notable for its distinctive fringe-like lips, which contribute to its common name.
Description & Characteristics
Crenimugil crenilabis is a relatively large mullet, reaching a maximum size of 60.0 cm. Its body is elongated and somewhat compressed, with a silvery-grey coloration. The fringe-like lips, which are more prominent in adults, are a defining characteristic of this species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Fringelip Mullet – Crenimugil crenilabis is primarily found in coastal waters, with a depth range of 0.0 to 20.0 meters. It is typically associated with estuaries, lagoons, and inshore reefs. This makes it a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, the marine environment extending from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Crenimugil crenilabis belongs to the Mugilidae family, which is part of the order Mugiliformes and the class Teleostei. This classification places the Fringelip Mullet within a group of ray-finned fishes characterized by their elongated bodies and specialized feeding mechanisms.
Feeding
The Fringelip Mullet – Crenimugil crenilabis is an omnivore, feeding primarily on algae and detritus. It uses its fringe-like lips to filter food particles from the water column and the seabed. This feeding strategy contributes to its role in the marine ecosystem, playing a significant part in the cycling of nutrients.
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