Coastal species (Ref. 2850, 44894) that often enter estuaries and rivers (Ref. 2847, 3573, 11230, 44894). Usually in schools over sand or mud bottom (Ref. 2850), between 0 and 10 m, occurring equally in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters (Project Mugil). Mainly diurnal, feed on zooplankton as larvae, detritus, micro-algae and benthic organisms as juvenile and adult fish (Ref. 56548, 74902, 74760). Reproduction takes place in the sea, at various times of the year depending on the location (Ref. 74907, Amour). Does not have an obligatory freshwater phase in its life cycle (Ref. 74752). Females spawn 0.8 to 2.6 million eggs (Ref. 74912, Chen & Su 1986). Sexually mature at 3 to 4 years (Ref. 74902). Maximum length reported as 120 cm SL (Ref. 7399) remains to be confirmed (Project Mugil). Maximum weight reported as 12 kg (Ref. 56527) seems to high for the area and remains to be confirmed (Project Mugil). Widely cultivated in freshwater and brackish ponds (Ref. 2847, Jackson 1984, Liao 1981). Marketed fresh, dried, salted, and frozen; roe sold fresh or smoked (Ref. 9321); also used in Chinese medicine (Ref. 12166)