M. cephalus has a generally well defined and short recruitment period throughout its range. Chubb et al. Mugil cephalus are isochronal spawners, with all oocytes reaching maturity at the same time. However, based on the size of the female body cavity, it is unlikely that a female's entire store of eggs is hydrated at the same time in preparation for spawning. The eggs of Mugil cephalus contain a single oil globule.
Egg size varies according to location, and with water temperature.
In Hawaii, Shehadeh et al. Larval pigmentation consists of thick, stellate chromatophores covering the body, except in the posterior region. Additionally, larvae and early postlarvae of M. cephalus possess a midlateral row of stellate melanophores . The mouths of larval mullet are open by the second day of post hatch, with the yolksac fully absorbed by the fifth day. Active feeding begins prior to full absorption of the yolksac, as early as 70 hours post hatching, with young larvae beginning to take rotifers and microalgae as food.