Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪt mˈʌlɪt] (IPA) 
The spelling of "white mullet" is straightforward and follows typical English phonetics. The first part, "white," is spelled phonetically as /waɪt/ with a long "i" sound and a "t" sound. The second part, "mullet," is spelled as /ˈmʌlɪt/ with a short "u" sound and a "t" sound. Together, the word is pronounced as /waɪt ˈmʌlɪt/. "White mullet" refers to a type of fish that can be found in coastal regions around the world.
White mullet refers to a species of small to medium-sized fish, scientifically known as Mugil curema, belonging to the family Mugilidae. This fish is commonly found in coastal and estuarine areas of the Western Atlantic Ocean, primarily along the coastlines of the United States, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The white mullet exhibits a distinguishable elongated and cylindrical body shape, measuring around 12 to 18 inches in length on average. Its coloration varies, but it generally appears silvery-white, which gives rise to its common name. The fish possesses two dorsal fins, with the first one having four spines. It also has a small mouth equipped with numerous small, comb-like teeth adapted for feeding on algae, plankton, and detritus found in the water column.
This species is known to be a highly migratory fish, often moving between freshwater and marine environments during various stages of its life cycle. White mullet are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of salinities, making them adaptable to different habitats. They are frequently found in brackish water areas such as estuaries, lagoons, and mangrove forests, but can also be encountered in open bays and nearshore coastal waters.
White mullet are considered a popular target for recreational anglers due to their abundance and moderate size. Additionally, they serve as an important commercial fishery species, providing a source of food and income for coastal communities. The delicate and flaky flesh of the white mullet lends itself well to various cooking methods, making it a sought-after culinary item in many regions.
The word "mullet" comes from the Old English word "mulet", which referred to a type of fish. The word was likely borrowed from the Old French term "mulet", which had the same meaning. The specific term "white mullet" is a descriptive compound where "white" refers to the color of the fish. Therefore, the etymology of "white mullet" is derived from Old English and Old French language usage, combined with the descriptive nature of the term.
