Are Mullet Fish Farmed or Wild-Caught? The Complete Guide to Sourcing

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FAO, worldwide production of the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) was almost evenly split between wild-caught fisheries and aquaculture in 2012, with approximately 130,000 tonnes caught and 142,000 tonnes farmed. Therefore, it is important to know that mullet fish can be either farmed or wild-caught, depending on the region and market.

Quick Summary

Mullet fish are sourced through both wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture operations globally. Farming frequently relies on collecting wild juveniles, though hatchery production is increasing. Differences in diet and environment lead to distinct taste and nutritional profiles between the two.

Key Points

Dual Sourcing: Mullet are commonly available as both farmed and wild-caught fish, with production figures globally split between the two methods.
Taste and Texture Differences: Wild-caught mullet have a stronger, leaner profile, while farmed mullet are milder and flakier, largely due to differences in their diet and activity level.
Dependence on Wild Stock: Much of the mullet aquaculture industry has traditionally relied on capturing wild-caught juveniles (fry) to stock ponds, raising sustainability concerns.
Farming Techniques: Mullet are often raised in polyculture ponds alongside other species like carp and tilapia, where they feed on algae and detritus.
Improving Aquaculture: There is growing development of hatchery technology to produce mullet seed, which could reduce pressure on wild populations and improve overall sustainability.
Fishing Methods: Wild-caught mullet are primarily harvested using nets, such as cast nets and beach seines, which can be highly selective and low-impact depending on the method.

A Look at Mullet Sourcing Methods

Mullet, particularly the cosmopolitan flathead grey mullet, are a global food fish harvested using two primary methods: wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture. The dominance of either method can vary significantly by country and region. While wild mullet are highly prized in some markets for their robust flavor, farmed mullet are gaining popularity for their milder taste and consistent supply. Understanding the techniques used for each method sheds light on the factors that influence the final product.

The Wild-Caught Mullet Fishery

Mullet fisheries have been active for centuries and remain a significant source of the global supply. These fish are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and even freshwater rivers, but they migrate to the sea to spawn. This migration pattern allows fishers to target large, schooling populations, often during the spawning season.

Wild-Caught Fishing Techniques

Wild mullet are typically caught using a variety of gear and methods that are often low-impact but highly effective for schooling fish.

Cast Nets: These circular nets are thrown by hand over a school of fish in open water or along shorelines. The net's drawstring is then pulled to trap the fish inside. This method is highly selective and has minimal habitat impact.
Beach Seines: Used closer to the shore, these large nets are deployed to encircle a school of fish and then drawn to the beach. While effective, there is a risk of contact with seafloor habitats like eelgrass.
Gillnets and Trammel Nets: These nets are stretched across the water, catching fish by their gills. Gill netting in estuaries, a common mullet habitat, has raised sustainability concerns, and some regions have implemented bans to protect stocks.
Line Fishing: Although less common for commercial quantities, recreational anglers catch mullet using light gear, small hooks, and baits like bread or worms.

Mullet Aquaculture: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Aquaculture of grey mullet has existed for centuries in regions like the Mediterranean, Egypt, and Southeast Asia. However, the approach is often different from the fully contained systems used for species like salmon. Historically and currently, many mullet farms rely on capturing wild fry (juveniles) to stock their ponds.

Farming Techniques and Practices

Mullet are well-suited for aquaculture due to their tolerance for a wide range of salinities and their herbivorous, detritus-feeding habits.

Polyculture: The most common method involves raising mullet alongside other species such as carp, tilapia, or milkfish in freshwater or brackish water ponds. In this system, mullet feed on detritus, algae, and leftover feed from the other fish, acting as a natural bio-remediator.
Monoculture: Less common, this method involves stocking ponds with only mullet. Manure or agricultural by-products like rice bran and wheat bran are often used as feed to support the necessary algae and natural food sources.
Hatchery Production: While many farms still source wild seed due to lower costs, advanced hatchery techniques are being developed in places like Israel and Egypt. The higher cost of hatchery-produced fry has been a bottleneck, but proponents highlight advantages such as more uniform growth rates and fewer pathogens.

Wild-Caught vs. Farmed Mullet: A Comparison

To help consumers make an informed choice, here is a comparison of wild-caught and farmed mullet based on key factors.


Feature	Wild-Caught Mullet	Farmed Mullet
Taste	Often described as having a stronger, more robust, or “fishy” flavor, influenced by a diverse natural diet.	Typically has a milder, less robust taste due to a more controlled, and sometimes limited, diet.
Texture	Leaner, firmer texture due to a more active lifestyle and varied diet.	Often flakier and more succulent due to higher fat content.
Fat Content	Generally leaner, with slightly lower fat and calorie content.	Contains higher fat content, which is influenced by the specific farming practices and feed.
Nutritional Profile	Slightly higher levels of omega-3s, potassium, zinc, and iron, though the differences can be marginal.	May contain higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, depending on the feed source.
Sustainability	Varies by fishery and region; some areas are well-managed and certified sustainable, while reliance on wild seed for farming raises concerns elsewhere.	Sustainability is improving with better practices, but historically, dependence on wild-caught juveniles created pressure on wild populations.

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, whether to choose wild-caught or farmed mullet depends on personal preference and priorities. For those who prioritize flavor variety and a lean texture, responsibly sourced wild-caught mullet is an excellent option. For those who prefer a milder taste, flakier texture, and consistent supply, farmed mullet can be a good choice. Regardless of the choice, it is always recommended to check sourcing information and look for certification from reputable seafood sustainability organizations where available.

Conclusion

Mullet are a versatile and widely available fish that can be sourced from both wild-capture fisheries and aquaculture operations. The method of sourcing—whether wild-caught with nets or farmed in polyculture ponds—results in noticeable differences in taste, texture, and nutritional content. Historically reliant on wild juveniles for farming, the industry is seeing progress toward more sustainable, hatchery-based production. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can make a more informed choice that aligns with their culinary preferences and sustainability values. For reliable sustainability information on specific fisheries, resources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch are invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a difference in taste. Wild-caught mullet generally has a stronger, more robust flavor, while farmed mullet typically has a milder, less intense taste.

The sustainability of mullet aquaculture varies. Historically, reliance on collecting wild juveniles has put pressure on natural stocks. However, ongoing development of commercial hatchery technology and best management practices are improving sustainability.

Mullet are most commonly farmed using polyculture systems in ponds, where they are raised with other fish like carp and tilapia. They feed on algae, detritus, and leftover food, which also helps manage pond water quality.

Wild mullet are often caught using nets. The most common methods include cast nets, which are thrown over schools of fish, and beach seines, which are drawn in toward the shore.

The flavor is influenced by diet and environment. Wild mullet have a varied, natural diet and are more active, leading to a leaner texture and richer flavor. Farmed mullet have a controlled diet and less activity, resulting in a milder taste and higher fat content.

Yes, many mullet aquaculture operations worldwide still rely on catching wild-born juveniles to stock their farms, especially in regions like Egypt and Taiwan.

Significant mullet aquaculture production occurs in countries such as Egypt, Taiwan, Israel, and in regions around the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.