Jullum | Mullet

Scientific name: Mugil cephalus

Common names: Mullet, sea mullet

Status: No concern

Jullum - Mullet factsheet(PDF, 167KB)

Sea mullet are one of the most abundant salt water fish in Australia. Spawning, or breeding, occurs at sea from autumn to early winter. The larvae then enter the estuaries and live in sheltered shallow water. Between late summer and early winter sea mullet leave estuaries in large schools that travel northwards along the coast to spawn. Beginning the cycle again seems to be triggered by strong westerly winds and falling water temperatures. These large numbers of mullet moving together is known as the ‘mullet run’.

Local Aboriginal people use seasonal indicators such as flowering plant species to predict when the best times to fish and gather mullet are. Inland groups also travel to the coast during this time for ceremonial and social interaction. Mullet runs have significant place in the local community, both Aboriginal and European. Fishing techniques during these events are often performed by many generations of the one family; the tradition is carried on, and knowledge passed down.

The species is found around the coasts of Australia but fished mostly in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. They comprise the largest catch by weight of all species taken in commercial fisheries in New South Wales.