Distribution, growth, and predation of juvenile white mullet (Mugil curema) in oceanside waters of Virginia’s eastern shore

Abstract

Distribution, growth, and predation level data for juvenile white mullet (Mugil curema Valenciennes) were obtained in 1965 by shallow water seine hauls during an exploratory survey of oceanside embayments of Virginia’s eastern shore peninsula. Average minimum growth was 17.5 mm fork length per half-month period, June through September. Growth equations fitted with an analog computer are: Wt=615(1−e−0.78t)3 Lt=360(1−e−0.78(t+0.06)) Fork lengths are in mm and weights are in grams. Highest predation incidence, 49%, was observed in late September inlet collections. Literature data implies juvenile white mullet, that occur north of North Carolina, have a southern origin.