Black Sea mullet: types, lifestyle, beneficial properties

Species of mullet living in the Black Sea

Systematically, the mullet belongs to the following categories:

• Class - Ray-finned fish;
• Order - Mullet-shaped;
• Family - Mullet;
• Genus - Gray mullet.

Today, four species of mullet live in the Black Sea waters. They all have a similar appearance and differ only in body size, weight and features associated with the breeding season. So, in the Black Sea they live:

• Loban;
• Singil;
• Pelengas;
• Sharp-nose (chularka);

Fish of different species appeared in the Black Sea waters for various reasons. Three of them - mullet, singil, sharpnose - are indigenous inhabitants of the warm waters of the Black Sea coast. Pelengas was brought specially from the Sea of ​​Japan. This was done in order to correct the deplorable situation of the Black Sea mullet, whose numbers were sharply declining due to the deteriorating environmental situation due to human activity and uncontrolled fishing.

Pelengas firmly occupied its niche, took root and increased its numbers. Many feared that the imported species would supplant the home-grown one, but this did not happen. On the contrary, over time, the numbers of the indigenous inhabitants of the Black Sea - mullet, singil and chularka - have also recovered.

Comparative table of species

Mullet and silverside of the Adriatic.

In previous notes, Adriaticnature tried to deal with the representatives of the alopsoid (Elopomorpha), wall -optotry (stenoptygii), scopelomorphs (Lampridiomorpha), and clampha (Cluppeomorrapha). Vamata (Cyclosquamata) and parakantoptergia (Paracanthopterygii), living in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. All of them are included in a group of classes (superclass) called bony fishes (Osteichthyes). The second group of fish that live in the Adriatic belongs to the class of cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), which includes sharks, rays and chimeras, which adriaticnature will gradually reach.

The last and largest superorder belonging to bony fishes and living in the Adriatic is the spiny-finned superorder (Acanthopterygii). It is its representatives who most often find themselves at the opposite end of the fishing lines of fishermen who go out in search of trophies into the sea on boats or on its rocky or sandy shores with spinning rods and fishing rods in their hands.

(“Mullet, asparagus and camellia.” Utagawa Hiroshige. 1832.)

Since there are quite a large number of orders and families included in the spinyfin superorder, adriaticnature will consistently, but in a free manner, introduce respected readers to the fish belonging to them. And let's start with a description of two orders: mullet-shaped (Mugiliformes) and silverside (Atheriniformes), so as not to multiply the number of short articles.

mullet order (Mugiliformes) includes only one mullet family (Mugilidae), which, according to recent scientific research, unites 27 families and more than 80 species of fish. They are found in all coastal temperate and tropical waters of the World Ocean.

Mullet are primarily schooling fish that feed on detritus. Many of them are prone to jumping above the surface of the water; scientists explain their behavior by the need for “sips” of oxygen-rich air. Of course, when it does not involve escaping from predators. Mullets have been an important part of cuisine in Mediterranean Europe since Roman times.

There are six species of mullet in the Adriatic Sea:

Singil , or julara (Chelon aurata).

(Singil, or julara. Photo © Pedro Niny Duarte(c)ImagDOP. fishbase.org)

The maximum recorded length is 59 cm, specimens up to 30 cm are more common. Schooling fish. Adults stay at depths of more than 10 meters, entering bays, estuaries and lagoons. Young fish often stay near river mouths. It feeds on small benthic organisms, detritus, sometimes insects and plankton. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Thick-lipped mullet , or slot fish (Chelon labrosus).

(Thick-lipped mullet, or sloth mullet. Photo © Gilbert Angermann. tier-fotos.eu)

The maximum recorded length is 75 cm, the usual size is about 32 cm. The maximum weight is 4.5 kilograms. Schooling coastal fish, often enters brackish lagoons, loves fresh water. It feeds on algae and small invertebrates. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Mullet ramada , or quick mullet (Chelon ramada).

(Ramada mullet, or quick mullet. Photo © lomadelacebuchal.es)

The maximum recorded length is 70 cm, specimens up to 35 cm are more common. Maximum weight is 2.9 kg. A schooling coastal fish, it often enters brackish lagoons, loves fresh water and rises into rivers. Adults stay at depths of more than 10 meters. It feeds on algae, detritus, small bottom and planktonic organisms. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Sharpnose (Chelon saliens).

(Sharpnose. Photo © Citron. wikipedia.org)

The maximum recorded length is 40 cm, specimens up to 30 cm are more common. Bottom schooling fish, inhabits coastal waters, enters lagoons and estuaries. Adults stay at depths of more than 10 meters. It feeds on algae and detritus. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Scallop , or black mullet (Mugil cephalus).

(Mullet, or black mullet. Photo © John E. Randall. fishbase.org)

It lives at depths of up to 120 meters, usually up to 10 meters. The maximum recorded length is 100 cm, individuals up to 50 cm are more common. It grows up to 10, and possibly more, kilograms. A coastal schooling fish that often lives in estuaries and enters fresh water. It feeds on detritus, algae and microorganisms. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Common sponge fish (Oedalechilus labeo).

(Common sponge. Photo © Roberto Pillon. fishbase.org)

The maximum recorded length is 25 cm. A coastal schooling fish, often sticks to pre-estuarine areas, but does not enter fresh water. Feeds on detritus and algae. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Representatives of the order Atheriniformes , as well as representatives of the order Mugiliformes, are very numerous and are found in all tropical and subtropical waters of the World Ocean, and also live in freshwater bodies of water.

The closest relatives of silversides are representatives of the order Cyprinodontiformes, the most famous species of which are guppies, revered by aquarists. Several species of carp-toothed fish live in the water bodies of the Adriatic coast; adriaticnature will tell you about them in the section dedicated to freshwater inhabitants - Fish of rivers and lakes. Directory.

Fishes from the order Atheriniformes are not large in size. The largest representative of the order Atherinopsis californiensis reaches a length of 44 centimeters. The order includes more than 350 species.

Two species of silversides live in the Adriatic Sea. These are the South European silverside (Atherina boyeri) and the short-snouted or Atlantic atherine (Atherina hepsetus). The taste qualities of these two small and similar fish are highly appreciated by both predatory fish and admirers of Mediterranean cuisine.

Southern European silverside (Atherina boyeri).

(Southern European silverside. Photo © Roberto Pillon. naturamediterraneo.com)

The maximum recorded length is 20 cm. A schooling species, found in the coastal part of the sea near the mouths of rivers, in their lower reaches. It can live in freshwater lakes, where it leads a pelagic lifestyle. It feeds on small crustaceans, worms and mollusks. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea. It was inhabited and acclimatized in the freshwater lakes of Bracciano, Albano, Bolsena, Nemi and others (Italy).

Short-snouted , or Atlantic atherine (Atherina hepsetus).

(Short-snout, or Atlantic smelt. Photo © Roberto Pillon. fishbase.org)

The maximum recorded length is 20 cm, the usual size is up to 15 cm. A coastal schooling sea fish, sometimes entering bays, lagoons and pre-estuary areas of rivers. It feeds on pelagic crustaceans and bottom crustaceans. Permanent inhabitant of the Adriatic Sea.

Appearance

All mullets have an elongated body, somewhat flattened anteriorly. The scales are large. The back has a bluish-gray tint, the ventral part is silver. On the lateral surfaces of the body there are clearly visible longitudinal stripes of brown color. Lateral line organs are absent. This genus has characteristic eyes with a wide eyelid covered with fat, reaching almost to the pupil. Small mouth. The lower lip is thin and has pointed edges. There are deep grooves in the caudal fin. The pectoral fins have a lobe (an elongated fragment of scales) above their base.

Lifestyle of fish

Mullet has great mobility and primarily leads a gregarious lifestyle. It has the protective ability to jump out of the water in case of danger, and easily overcomes exposed fishing nets, jumping over them.

Reaches sexual maturity at 6–8 years of age. At this point, the length of the body is almost 35−45 cm. It spawns, as a rule, from late May to early September. In terms of reproduction, mullet is quite unpretentious: both open and coastal waters are suitable for it. Like many fish, it has high fertility, laying from 5 to 7 thousand eggs. Eggs and fry swim in the water column, being closer to the surface of the reservoir.

In summer, mullet uses detritus as food - what makes up bottom silt (undecomposed remains of plants and small animals). It can also feed on plants that abundantly populate the seabed, small crustaceans and mollusks, and rarely on worms. During feeding, the mullet moves above the bottom at an angle of 45 degrees and, as it were, scrapes off the top layer of silt from it, using its lower jaw as a shovel.

Benefits and composition

The fish in question is a product with a high content of the healthiest and highest quality proteins. The chemical composition of fish contains many essential amino acids for a healthy body, which are also easily digestible. The complex of vitamins contained in the product has a positive effect on the performance of the brain and cardiovascular system. The beneficial properties of mullet are obvious; it contains: chlorine, zinc, chromium, fluorine and phosphorus.

The sea creature is also a source of many B vitamins. Based on scientific research, it can be argued that fish actively helps with depressive conditions. The positive properties are explained by the Omega-3 acid contained in the composition. In addition to the benefits, eating fish can also be harmful. It is not advisable to eat mullet meat if you have viral hepatitis or nausea.

It is better to minimize seafood consumption if:

• personal intolerance;
• acute renal dysfunction;
• excess content of chlorine, phosphates and vitamins of group A in the body.

Mullet recipes

This fish has delicious tender meat, which has many beneficial properties. Mullet is prepared in different forms. Let's look at a few: baked, fried fish and fish soup.

So, to prepare mullet baked in foil we will need the following products:

• Fish carcass - the bigger the better;
• Salt pepper;
• 1 medium onion;
• Half a lemon;
• Butter - 20 g.

The main thing in this recipe is to preserve the juiciness of the fish. To do this, it is important not to overexpose it in foil. Then, among other things, the integrity of the skin will be preserved, which will give the dish a special aesthetics.

Wash the carcass in cold water, clean it, remove the insides. Then remove the gills and fins (if this is not done, the dish will taste bitter). We make cuts of medium depth along the entire ridge. Salt and pepper. Let the fish soak up the spices . At this time, cut the lemon and onion into half rings. Spread the foil and grease it with butter. Make an onion layer and place the fish on it. We insert lemon half rings into the cuts on the carcass. First dip the citrus in granulated sugar. Wrap the fish in foil and put it in the oven for half an hour at 200 degrees.

To prepare fried mullet we will need the following ingredients:

• Small carcasses - 8−10 pieces;
• Flour for breading;
• Salt and pepper;
• Vegetable oil for frying.

We wash the cleaned carcasses with cold water. Salt generously and lightly pepper. Let the spices soak into the pulp. Then bread the mullet in flour and place it in a deep frying pan, where we preheat the vegetable oil. It is best to use cast iron cookware. Readiness is determined by the presence of a golden crust. Be careful when turning the carcasses over as they can easily fall apart.

Delicious fish soup

The soup from this fish turns out amazingly tasty . Moreover, it is convenient to prepare, since due to the small number of bones, the resulting broth does not need to be filtered. To prepare fish soup we will need:

• Mullet - 2-3 medium carcasses;
• 2 large potatoes;
• 1 large carrot;
• 1 medium sized tomato;
• 1 small onion;
• Fresh dill, bay leaf;
• Red capsicum;
• Salt and ground black pepper.

Pour half the volume of water into a two-liter saucepan. We put in it bay leaf, a pod of red pepper and an onion, pre-cut into slices. Place over medium heat and cover tightly with a lid. We wait for it to boil, then set it for two minutes, and then take out all the contents, leaving only the broth. Salt and pepper to taste.

Throw grated carrots and potatoes, previously cut into small cubes, into the pan. We cut the fish into small pieces and also add it to the soup. Skim off the foam as it forms. Cook until done (check the condition of the potatoes; they should be soft, but still retain their cubic shape in the broth). Remove the soup from the heat. We cut the tomato into thin rings and put it in the ear. Simmer under the lid (without heat) for 2-3 minutes, after which you can start eating. Serve with fresh dill.

How to cook mullet fish

Often, many people wonder - how bony is a mullet? Like most sea fish, it has white meat that has virtually no bones, which makes it a desirable trophy in the catch of every angler. Its tender meat has an exquisite taste that can please every connoisseur of seafood cuisine. Mullet contains a huge amount of protein - about twenty percent of the total weight of the carcass. At the same time, the fish is completely free of carbohydrates, which is especially appreciated by some gourmets. The calorie content of mullet is 121 calories per 100 grams.

Useful properties of mullet for the human body:

• vitamin A, so necessary for human skin, mucous membranes and vision;
• vitamin B4, which helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and improves liver and heart function;
• vitamin Choline, recommended by doctors for weight loss;
• phosphorus, which has a beneficial effect on bones, kidney function, cell growth, and the nervous system;
• fatty acids that improve brain function and prevent stroke and heart attack;
• protein and amino acids.

Read also: Sea kale - eating right!

Cooking recipes

Mullet baked in foil

For this you will need: fish, salt (preferably coarse sea salt), half a lemon, a little butter, onion, sugar. Wash the carcass, clean it, gut it. Trim fins, remove gills. Remove excess moisture from the fish using a towel or napkin. Make several cuts along the ridge. Add salt and pepper and leave to brew for a few minutes. Spread the foil on a baking sheet, grease with oil and place the onion cut into rings on it. Sprinkle the lemon with sugar and insert it into the slits on the body of the fish. Place the mullet on the bow and wrap in foil. Bake in the oven at two hundred degrees for about half an hour.

Cooking video

Fried mullet

For this dish it is better to use small fish. In addition to the mullet, you will need flour, vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Clean the fish, rinse, salt and pepper. After this, it should be rolled in flour on both sides and fried over medium heat in a preheated frying pan until golden brown.

Cooking video

Mullet in a slow cooker

The simplest and most affordable cooking method. For it you will need: fish fillet, 2 carrots, 3 zucchini, 2 bell peppers, salt, pepper, vegetable oil. Pour oil into the multicooker bowl, place chopped zucchini, carrots and peppers on the bottom. Drizzle with oil and place fillet on top. Cook for an hour and a half on the “Stew” mode.

Cooking video

Useful properties of fish

In addition to excellent taste, mullet also has a number of beneficial properties. Fish contains:

• Essential amino acids, such as methionine;
• A huge amount of high-quality and easily digestible protein;
• Many fatty acids;
• B vitamins, vitamin PP;
• Micro- and macroelements, which include fluorine, chlorine, zinc and chromium. The phosphorus content in this fish is especially high.

Mullet helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improves blood supply to the brain. Due to the content of polyunsaturated acids, for example Omega-3, it allows you to better cope with depression and low mood.

What are the benefits of mullet?

Mullet has a very valuable set of useful elements: Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, fluorine, zinc. Fish is recommended for people with heart and vascular diseases - its consumption will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. For those over 50 years old, it is advisable to eat mullet dishes to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Also, the beneficial substances found in mullet will help improve visual acuity and skin health. A set of B vitamins has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, improves sleep quality and improves liver function.

Mullet is a low-calorie fish. 100 g contains only 120 calories. It contains virtually no carbohydrates and very little fat.

Mullet can only cause harm to those who are allergic to fish. When choosing a product in a store or at the market, you should first of all pay attention to its freshness.

Mullet combined with garlic and lemon