The ama'ama, also known as the striped or flathead mullet, (Mugil cephalus) was one of the most important fishes in ancient Hawaiian days. It was important to the Hawaiian culture because each stage of a fish's life had a Hawaiian name. It has an irregularly round, silvery body, with a dark bluish green back and dark longitudinal stripes along the sides. It has a tiny mouth which can suck in mud and water, straining out tiny bits of food.

It was found in great numbers in the ancient Hawaiian fishponds such as Kaelepulu Pond and was a primary food source. Today, the ama'ama can be found in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.