597.55(53.1) 253 
639.(53.1) 
IV 
The Grey Mullet Fishery in Japan 
HERE are three known species of Mugil in Japan, namely, 
M. cephalotus, M. haematocherlus, and M. joyneri. 
The first species is known by the name of Shirome (white eyed), 
Bora, Nayoshi, &e., and while immature Subashiri, Oboko, Ina, &c., 
according to different stages of development. The second species is 
called Ahamé (red eyed), Shukuchi, &c.; and the third species, 
Meina. The first species is abundant along the whole coast of the 
main island or Hondo, and is captured throughout the whole year. 
In summer we find innumerable fry of this fish in brackish water, 
and often in fresh water too. In spring the fish migrate in shoals 
towards shallow water, and remain scattered there during the whole 
summer, while in autumn they assemble together and form shoals 
again and migrate along the coast. Then as winter approaches 
they gradually seek warmer and deeper water, and pass the cold 
season in rather a dormant state. They are also cultured in 
brackish ponds, and sometimes in canals round such rice fields as 
are near the sea.. Their average length is a little more than a 
foot. 
The second species, Mugil haematocheilus, is abundant in the 
southern district, and is caught in autumn when it comes in 
large shoals towards the coast for the purpose of spawning. Roes 
of this fish are salted and dried, and are highly esteemed as a 
delicacy. This fish attains a larger size (about two feet) than the 
preceding species. 
The third species, MZ. joyneri, is not abundant, and consequently 
is not important economically. 
The average annual catch of the grey mullet is about four 
hundred thousand yen in value, about £40,000. There are very 
diverse methods for its capture. Sweep-seines, dip-nets, pound- 
nets, hand-nets, stop-nets, set-nets, drift-nets, cast-nets, and drift- 
lines are the chief apparatus used for the purpose. These appliances 
are chiefly used in shallow waters, not more than ten fathoms in 
depth, as the fish are mostly found in these parts. 
The mullet, especially Mugil cephalotus, is said to be frightened 
by sound and light. Moreover, it is said that the fish hate the 
presence of oily substances, so that they turn their route of migra- 
