Fin's Fish Guide
The Boxlip mullet (Oedalechilus labeo) is a saltwater fish of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky shores, often in the surf and in harbours.
Description
The boxlip mullet is a grey mullet of the family Mugilidae reaching about 25 cm. It resembles the other mullets but stands out for a conspicuously thick, fringed upper lip; the silvery-grey body bears fine dark lengthwise stripes and has two separate dorsal fins. The species lives in schools on shallow rocky shores of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, often in the surf and in harbours. With its thick lips it grazes algae, diatoms and organic detritus from the rocks and the bottom. It spawns at sea, after which the eggs and larvae drift in open water. The boxlip mullet is locally a valued food fish landed by coastal fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Boxlip mullet?
The Boxlip mullet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Mullet (Mugil) with a strikingly thick, fringed upper lip; silver-grey body with fine dark longitudinal stripes.
Where does the Boxlip mullet live?
The Boxlip mullet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on shallow rocky shores, often in the surf and in harbours.
How big does the Boxlip mullet get?
The Boxlip mullet grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Boxlip mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Boxlip mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Boxlip mullet edible?
Yes, the Boxlip mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Boxlip mullet and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oedalechilus
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Boxlip mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Boxlip mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.