Thicklip grey mullet
📖 Overview
Adults are found inshore in schools, frequently entering brackish lagoons and freshwater . They migrate occasionally tending to move northward in summer-time as temperatures rise. Females are larger than males . Adults feed mainly on benthic diatoms, epiphytic algae, small invertebrates and detritus , juveniles only feed on zooplankton . Oviparous . Reproduction occurs in the sea during winter . Eggs and larvae pelagic. Utilized as a food fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. : elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Thicklip grey mullet is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Juveniles around 2.0 cm SL move to coastal lagoons and estuaries in April-June and return to sea in summer .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; catadromous ; depth range 2 - 15 m . Subtropical; 65°N - 12°N, 24°W - 36°E Atlantic Ocean: from Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and southern Norway to the Cape Verde archipelago; the Azores archipelago appears to be the westernmost limit of its range; the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins.
🌿 Ecology
benthic diatoms, epiphytic algae, small invertebrates and detritus (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Thicklip grey mullet is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 399 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Thicklip grey mullet has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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