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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Golden grey mullet: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Chelon auratus

Golden grey mullet require careful identification and observation of the available food. This guide favours a discreet coastal approach, without promising that all mullet accept bread.

Catalogue names : Golden grey mullet. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Found in the Northeast Atlantic south to Senegal, in the English Channel, North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea. DORIS describes it as rarer north of the Bay of Biscay than in the Mediterranean basin.

  • Documented presence : Northeast Atlantic
  • Documented presence : North Sea
  • Documented presence : English Channel
  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea
  • Documented presence : Black Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Chelon auratus has a golden spot on the gill cover and a thin upper lip. Also compare the pectoral-fin base with thinlip grey mullet, which have a dark mark. Reflections and viewing angle make interpretation harder: a silvery mullet photographed from a distance often remains unidentified.

Habitat

It occurs along marine margins and in brackish water, with an important presence in the Mediterranean. Unlike thinlip grey mullet, the DORIS guide does not describe it as entering fresh water. For this approach, choose a permitted coastal margin where the route of small groups can be observed.

Diet

It takes diatoms and organic matter while grazing the substrate, but may also catch small fish.

Behaviour

Its diet includes small organisms and material taken near the substrate. Seeing a shoal at the surface does not prove it will take floating bait. First identify what the fish are doing: passing quickly, feeding near the bottom or showing interest in food carried along by the water.

Indicative biological size

Commonly 30–40 cm according to DORIS; a descriptive range.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. Observe a clear margin without starting by groundbaiting. Identify the fish’s route and the water layer where they feed. Prepare an unobtrusive float and a hooklength carrying a single hook.
  2. Present a small portion of marine worm or a firmly held piece of bread, according to the reactions observed. The point must stay exposed.
  3. Follow the drift without artificially speeding up the bait. Compare a lower presentation if fish are feeding beneath the surface.
  4. Establish contact on a sustained indication and let the drag absorb the run. Land the fish in a wet landing net.

A distinctive feature

It lacks a lateral line despite the visible longitudinal stripes on its flanks.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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