Fin's Fish Guide
The Thicklip grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Mugilidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Scotland and Scandinavia to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, in shallow coastal waters, harbours and river mouths.
Description
The thicklip grey mullet is a streamlined marine fish of the family Mugilidae reaching about 75 cm. The elongate, silvery-grey body has faint grey longitudinal stripes, two separate dorsal fins and, as a hallmark, a notably thick upper lip with rows of small warts (papillae). With it the species grazes growths of algae, tiny animals and organic silt from stones, quays and the bottom, sieving them out with fine gill rakers. The species lives in schools in shallow coastal waters, harbours and river mouths of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and in the warm months also ascends fresh rivers. It is a valued sport and food fish, as is its salted roe (botargo).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thicklip grey mullet?
The Thicklip grey mullet has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Thick upper lip with rows of small warts (papillae); grazes on biofilm and sifts silt, and often leaps out of the water.
Where does the Thicklip grey mullet live?
The Thicklip grey mullet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Scotland and Scandinavia to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, in shallow coastal waters, harbours and river mouths.
How big does the Thicklip grey mullet get?
The Thicklip grey mullet grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 32 cm.
Is the Thicklip grey mullet dangerous to humans?
No, the Thicklip grey mullet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Thicklip grey mullet edible?
Yes, the Thicklip grey mullet is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Thicklip grey mullet and live in the same waters.
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Status & sources
Same genus Chelon
More from the family Mugilidae
Want the complete picture on the Thicklip grey mullet?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Thicklip grey mullet is one of 12,519 species in the app.