Chelon saliens
The leaping grey mullet (*Chelon saliens*), known locally as "singhil", is the slimmest and most agile mullet species in the Black Sea. Its English name reflects its characteristic behaviour of frequently jumping above the water when pursued or when the school moves quickly. It is a species of great local economic importance, being very abundant in coastal areas.
It has an elongated, slimmer body compared to the thick-lipped or golden mullet. The head is narrow and the snout is pointed. An important characteristic is the absence of obvious golden spots (spots are rather pale yellowish and multiple) and the head profile which is not as flattened. Scales on the head extend to the level of the nostrils, a morphological trait that distinguishes it from related species.
Widespread in the Mediterranean, Caspian Sea (where it was introduced), and Black Sea. In the Danube Delta area, it massively occupies brackish lagoons and coastal waters. It is very resistant to high salinities but readily enters nearly fresh water zones at the mouths of the Danube to take advantage of the abundance of organic matter brought by the river.
It is an extremely gregarious species, forming very large schools, often mixed with juveniles of other mullet species. Feeding is similar to other mugilids: it filters sediments from the bottom, extracting diatoms, plant debris, and small invertebrates. It is a very active fish during the day, preferring well-lit, oxygenated areas near the shore.
Reproduction occurs in midsummer, in marine waters. Females lay large numbers of pelagic eggs. Larval development takes place in the open sea, with juveniles migrating to the shore at very small sizes (2-3 cm). It has a fairly rapid growth rate in the first two years, reaching sexual maturity at 2 years (males) and 3 years (females).
The species is listed as Least Concern (LC). Leaping mullet populations are considered secure in Romanian waters, although vulnerable to coastal pollution and accidental capture in fine-mesh nets. It is a very popular fish for home consumption, often prepared on the griddle or fried.