A mullet under a finger length is called pua'ama", a "mullet about eight inches long is called kahaha and a mullet 12" or more is an 'ama'ama.

Striped Mullet or 'Ama'ama
Mugil cephalus

Description • Silvery gray in color with faint brown stripes and the edge of the fins black. Up to 20 inches in length the mullets are often seen in small schools and are prone to leap above the surface of the water.
The Striped Mullet is a tasty fish and was very important to the ancient Hawaiians who had different names for their growth stages. They were caught as juveniles and raised in fishponds.

Habitat • Subtropic to warm temperate seas.

Diet • Feed on algal and minerals in the bottom sediment.