However, these authors also observed Mugil cephalus feeding opportunistically on swarming polychaetes of the Nereis genus. This observation lead the authors to suggest that since M. cephalus lack the mouthparts for tearing and cutting, predation must be limited to bite-sized prey, or to prey items which break apart easily. Particles range in size from 0.5 mm to several cm in size. As the larger mullet moved in on the high tide, the smaller fishes moved closer to the shoreline in the high intertidal zone. Lizardfish, needlefish, crabs, etc.
Larger mullet are subject to larger predators such as snook, snappers, barracuda, dolphins, etc.
In the presence of large predators, prejuvenile, juvenile and adult mullet organize into tightly formed schools and tend to cease feeding activity. Juveniles occupy the high intertidal zone of estuaries where water temperatures and salinity fluctuate greatly. Older mullet inhabit deeper, more stable waters. M. cephalus is important to the recreational fishery in the Indian River Lagoon. Adult mullet are line caught as food fish and for roe, while juveniles are commonly used as bait to lure larger sportfish.