Depth
Chelon · Bony Fish

Golden Grey Mullet

Chelon auratus

0 - 20 m
Depth Range
59 cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0 - 20 m
Depth Range
59 cm
Max Size
Coastal
Habitat
Omnivore
Diet
Schooling
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusChelon
Speciesauratus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationStreamlined mullet with a small golden or yellow spot on the gill cover. Blue-grey back, silver flanks with faint longitudinal stripes. Relatively small head with thin lips.
  • SizeUp to 45 cm total length, commonly 20 to 35 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species, often forming mixed groups with other mullet species in shallow coastal waters.
  • HabitatEstuaries, lagoons, harbours, and shallow coastal waters over sandy and muddy bottoms. Tolerates brackish and fresh water.
  • Depth0 to 20 m, predominantly in the shallows.
  • Feeds OnAlgae, organic detritus, small invertebrates, and biofilm grazed from substrate surfaces.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean and Black Sea.
  • DescriptionOne of the most common mullets in Mediterranean coastal waters, easily identified by the golden spot on its gill cover. Found in large schools in harbours and estuaries, it is a familiar sight to snorkellers and shore divers.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found in coastal waters from the surface to about 20 m depth. Common in harbours, estuaries, and along rocky and sandy shorelines throughout the Mediterranean.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Coastal waters, harbours, lagoons, and estuaries. Often found near the surface in schools. Tolerant of brackish and occasionally fresh water. Feeds over sandy and muddy bottoms as well as on algae-covered surfaces.

Encounter Tips

Watch for schools of silvery mullet near the surface in harbours and sheltered bays. The golden opercular spot is visible at close range and confirms identification.

Golden Grey Mullet species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Chelon auratus may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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