The eggs drift back to the estuaries to hatch. The juveniles stay in areas like Pine Island Sound until they are at least six months old. These juvenile fishes are often used as bait at this size. Mullet are tasty when smoked, broiled or fried. Mullet is a local food and prized by Florida natives.
White mullet is dark olive above and silvery below.
A dark blotch is visible at the base of the pectoral fin. The sides of the head may have a yellowish tinge. The black mullet are more abundant here. Their coloration is very similar to the white mullet, although the dot at the base of the pectoral fin appears more bluish. Their scales are fairly large with dark centers.