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.
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.
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.
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.
Is the Golden grey mullet edible?
Yes, the Golden grey mullet is commonly eaten.
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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
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