Biological Studies of Economic Significance of the Yellow-Eye Mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri (Cuvier & Valenciennes) (Mugilidae)

Abstract

This species attains a relatively small size (40 cm maximum) and an age of 7 years. The smallest fish recorded with mature gonads were 22 cm length to caudal fork (male) and 24.5 cm (female). The species matures at the end of the third year. Two races are distinguishable, a summer-spawping group in Victoria and Tasmania and a winter-spawning group in Western Australia. Fecundity varies from 125,000 eggs in a female 24.5 cm long to 630,000 in one 39.1 cm long. The condition factor increases markedly in fish with ripening gonads.

In Western Australia only 3.3 per cent. of yellow-eye mullet in market samples were less than the legal minimum size. Mesh tests show that 24 in. mesh is sufficient to permit escape of undersized fish.

The species feeds on any small organic material, plant, animal, or detrital.

Existing management policies are effective in maintaining stocks.