Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 59 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, in coastal waters and estuaries.
Description
The golden grey mullet is a slender mullet of the family Mugilidae reaching about 59 cm. The elongate, silvery-grey body has faint grey longitudinal stripes and, as a hallmark, a conspicuous golden spot on the gill cover, sometimes with a golden tinge on the cheek, from which the species takes its name. It lives in schools in shallow coastal waters, harbours and estuaries of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and enters estuaries and lagoons in the warm months. It grazes organic silt, diatoms, algae and small bottom animals from the bottom and surfaces, sieving them with fine gill rakers. The golden grey mullet is a valued sport and food fish known as shy and hard to catch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden grey mullet?
The Golden grey mullet is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender mullet with a conspicuous golden-yellow blotch on the operculum and sometimes a golden tinge on the cheek.
Where does the Golden grey mullet live?
The Golden grey mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, in coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Golden grey mullet get?
The Golden grey mullet grows to a maximum of about 59 cm.
Is the Golden grey mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Golden grey mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Golden grey mullet edible?
Yes, the Golden grey mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Golden grey 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 Liza
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Golden grey mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Golden grey mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.