Latin name

Planiliza haematocheilus

Other names

Haarder, redlip mullet so-iny mullet.

Identification

The body is elongated and torpedo shaped. The head has a broad forehead and the iris has a reddish or orange tint, which distinguishes the So-iuy mullet from other mullets. The body and head are covered with large cycloid scales. As with other mullets, there is no formalised lateral line.

Distribution

Occupies the Sea of Japan. Widespread in Peter the Great Bay. In the second half of the 20th century it was successfully acclimatised in the Sea of Azov, where specimens weighing up to 12 kg have been found. It also inhabits the Black Sea and many waters of Russia, Ukraine and Europe. 

Habitat

A gregarious marine fish, juveniles enter rivers in autumn where they spend the winter in burrows. It returns to the sea in early spring. Also inhabits estuaries and brackish water mouths of rivers flowing into the Sea of Japan, the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Mediterranean.

Size

Reaches a length of 150 cm and a weight of 7 kg, the maximum weight is 12 kg.

Life history and Behavior

Juveniles spend their first year in freshwater and then migrate to the sea to reproduce.

Food and feeding habits

It feeds mainly on periphyton, detritus and various small bottom invertebrates. In the Black and Azov Seas, estuaries and river mouths it also feeds on Nereis marine worms, actively consumes dead fish, large individuals in the Azov and Black Seas may consume tulka, hamsa, juvenile goby.

Reproduction

Spawns in May-June in coastal areas of Sivash Bay and brackish estuaries of the Black Sea. Like all mullets, the eggs are pelagic, so it chooses areas with sea salinity (32-35 ppm) for spawning.