The waters of Lake Quarun have undergone severe chemical changes in the last 50 years. Salinity has increased progressively and is now 38‰ in some regions of the lake. Tilapia zillii is the only species that has not been affected by the salinity increase. Mullet fry have been stocked in the lake since 1928. There has been a progressive increase in the average total production of mullet from 0.45 tons (1929–1932) to 128.25 tons (1966–1969), and to 291.67 tons (1975/76–1978/79). Length and age composition of mullets in Lake Quarun were studied. The growth in length and weight of Mugil cephalus showed that the fish were in better condition in Lake Quarun than in other coastal areas of Egypt. It is recommended that studies should continue to improve survival of transplanted mullet fry into the lake, and on the artificial propagation of mullets on site.
