How to Identify Golden grey mullet

To identify Golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal side is typically dark grey to greenish-grey, fading to silvery flanks and a white belly. The most distinguishing feature is a prominent, often iridescent, golden-yellow spot on the operculum (gill cover). Fins are generally dusky.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Golden-yellow spot on the operculum, Relatively small head compared to body size, Adipose eyelid present, but less developed than in some other mullet species, Two widely separated dorsal fins

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 4 strong spines, the second with 1 spine and 8-9 soft rays. The first dorsal fin originates anterior to the origin of the pelvic fins.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively short, not reaching the origin of the first dorsal fin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are abdominal.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Golden Spot

   The most reliable identifier is the distinct golden-yellow spot on the operculum. This spot can vary in intensity but is almost always present.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Observe the two widely separated dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 4 strong spines and originates anterior to the pelvic fin origin.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fin Length

   The pectoral fins are relatively short and do not extend to the origin of the first dorsal fin.

4. 4

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Its elongated, silvery body with a darker back is typical of mullets, but the golden spot is key for species-level identification.

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