It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea and is fished commercially.

[4] Mugil liza occurs in coastal waters in the Caribbean Sea and along the eastern seaboard of America from Florida south to Argentina.

[4] Mugil liza is a detritivore and also feeds on filamentous algae.

Spawning takes place offshore in the summer between May and August.

[citation needed] Mugil liza is collected from the shore using fishing nets.