Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Mugilidae
- Genus
- Liza
- Species
- haematocheilus
Habitat
This species inhabits coastal marine waters, estuaries, and the lower reaches of rivers, preferring brackish environments with sandy or muddy substrates. It is commonly found in temperate regions like the Sea of Japan, Amur River, and Black Sea, where it tolerates a range of salinities.
Diet
The So-iuy mullet primarily feeds on algae, diatoms, and detritus scraped from surfaces, along with small invertebrates and plankton. It exhibits filter-feeding behavior while swimming in schools, often during daylight hours in shallow waters.
Behavior
So-iuy mullet form large schools for protection and feeding, exhibiting migratory patterns between freshwater rivers and marine environments. They are diurnal, actively foraging during the day and resting in deeper waters at night, and show territorial behavior when establishing spawning grounds.
Fishing
The So-iuy mullet is a popular target for recreational anglers in regions like the Sea of Japan, Amur River, South Korea, the Black Sea, and Sea of Azov, valued both as a food fish for its mild flavor and as a sport fish for its schooling behavior and fight in brackish waters; use light tackle techniques such as bottom fishing or casting from shore or boats with a 6-10 lb test line, a sensitive rod around 7-9 feet long, and small hooks (size 6-10) to detect subtle bites in shallow areas. Opt for natural baits like worms, shrimp, or bread to mimic their diet of algae and small invertebrates, or try small jigs and soft plastics for a more active approach. The best seasons are late spring through summer when they migrate and feed actively, targeting them during daylight hours when they school and forage in estuaries, river mouths, and coastal shallows with sandy or muddy substrates—focus on areas with moderate currents for higher success. Adults typically reach 20-40 cm, with no specific IGFA records available, but aim for fish in the 30-40 cm range for a rewarding catch; conservation efforts, supported by angler license fees, help maintain stable populations through practices like catch-and-release and regulated harvest, ensuring these adaptable fish continue to thrive in their temperate habitats as part of broader aquatic ecosystem protection.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.