Yelloweye mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) is a small to medium-sized fish found in estuaries, bays, and coastal waters across southern Australia. It gets its name from its distinctive yellow-tinged eyes. Adults typically reach around 25–40 cm in length.
This species is one of the most common fish in southern Australian inshore waters, found from Western Australia around to New South Wales. It schools in large numbers in shallow bays and estuaries, feeding on algae, small invertebrates, and detritus. It has long been a familiar catch for recreational fishers and features in the commercial catch of several states.
Yelloweye mullet has a stronger flavour than many white-fleshed fish, which makes it well-suited to smoking, and it has historically been one of the more affordable fish at the market. The flesh is soft and oily, with a moderate number of fine bones. It’s a practical, everyday fish rather than a prestige species.
How it's produced
Yelloweye mullet is a wild-caught species. It is harvested commercially using haul nets, gill nets, and beach seines in estuaries and coastal bays across southern Australia. Major fisheries operate in South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.
There is no significant aquaculture production of yelloweye mullet. The species is managed under state-based fisheries regulations, with minimum size limits and net restrictions varying by jurisdiction. Recreational catch also contributes to overall harvest. The fish is generally considered well-managed, as it reproduces quickly and is abundant across its range.
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