ExploreFish

Grey Mullet

Chelon auratus

Grey Mullet is a strong fish that can be found in both salt and freshwater. They are known for their tasty flesh!

Habitat: Coastal waters

Appearance

The Grey Mullet has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, typically grey or silver with darker fins. It features large scales and a small, upturned mouth. Its subtle coloring helps it blend into coastal waters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderMugiliformesFamilyMugilidaeGenusChelon

Grey Mullet

Interesting facts

Many species gather in huge 'schools' that can fill a whole bay!

Mullet are ancient fish, with ancestors dating back millions of years!

Some Grey Mullet can live for over 10 years, even in busy estuaries!

They use tiny teeth on their gills to filter out their microscopic meals!

Special abilities

Grey Mullet can easily move between salty ocean water and fresh river water thanks to special kidney adaptations.

Grey Mullet has powerful tail muscles that help them leap high out of the water to escape predators.

Grey Mullet can suck up tiny bits of food from the seabed because of their unique, muscular mouth.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-70 cm
Weight: 0.5-4 kg
Lifespan: 5-12 years
Swim Speed: 20 km/h
Max Depth: 50 m
Water Type: Brackish

Diet & Feeding

They are bottom-feeders, munching on tiny plants, algae, and detritus found in mud and sand.

Primary Foods

detritus
algae
diatoms
decaying plant matter
small invertebrates

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

This fish-eating bird of prey dives from above to catch mullet.

eaten by

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Dolphins hunt mullet in coastal waters, often herding them.

eaten by

Smooth Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna zygaena

These sharks are known to prey on schooling fish like mullet.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.