Depth
Chelon · Bony Fish

Thicklip Grey Mullet

Chelon labrosus

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

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationLarge, robust mullet with a characteristically thick, fleshy upper lip. Grey-green back with silvery flanks showing faint longitudinal stripes. Broad, flat head.
  • SizeUp to 75 cm total length, commonly 30 to 50 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species found in large groups in harbours, estuaries, and shallow bays.
  • HabitatCoastal waters, harbours, estuaries, and lagoons. Often in very shallow water near structures such as harbour walls and jetties.
  • Depth0 to 25 m, predominantly surface to 10 m.
  • Feeds OnAlgae, organic detritus, small invertebrates, and biofilm grazed from hard surfaces using its thick lips.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionThe largest and most heavy-bodied of the Mediterranean grey mullets. Its thick, fleshy upper lip is well adapted for scraping algae and biofilm from rocks and harbour walls. Very common in Maltese harbours where large schools cruise along quaysides.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Common in harbours, along rocky shores, and in coastal waters from the surface to 20 m depth. Found throughout the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic. Particularly associated with rocky coastlines and harbour walls.

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

Rocky shores, harbours, and breakwaters. Grazes on algae-covered rock surfaces, harbour walls, and pier pilings. Also found in estuarine environments but less frequently enters fresh water than some other mullet species.

Encounter Tips

Abundant in almost every harbour in Malta. Watch for large silvery schools grazing on harbour walls and rocky surfaces, often clearly visible from above the surface.

Thicklip Grey Mullet species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Chelon labrosus 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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