Thicklip grey mullet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thicklip grey mullet |
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The thicklip grey mullet (scientific name: Chelon labrosus) is a type of fish that lives near coastlines. It belongs to a fish family called Mugilidae, which are often known as mullets. This fish gets its name from its noticeably thick upper lip and its shiny, silvery-grey color.
These fish are usually about 32 cm (13 in) long, but some can grow much bigger, up to 75 cm (30 in)!
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Where the Thicklip Grey Mullet Lives
The thicklip grey mullet is very common in shallow, calm coastal areas. You can often find them in estuaries (where rivers meet the sea) and even near the outlets of power stations or sewers. They are quite adaptable and can sometimes swim into fresh water areas too.
This fish lives in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Their home range stretches from Iceland all the way down to Senegal and the Cape Verde islands. They also live in the Mediterranean Sea and the southwestern part of the Black Sea. These fish are partly migratory, which means they travel. They usually head north during the summer months.
What Thicklip Grey Mullet Eat
The thicklip grey mullet is not a picky eater! They mostly feed on tiny diatoms (a type of algae) that live on the seabed. They also eat epiphytic algae (algae that grows on other plants), small invertebrates (animals without a backbone like worms or small crabs), and detritus (tiny bits of dead plants and animals).
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Thicklip grey mullets lay their eggs during the winter. Both the eggs and the newly hatched baby fish (called fry) are pelagic. This means they float freely in the open water, rather than staying near the bottom or shore.
Thicklip Grey Mullet and Humans
People value the thicklip grey mullet for two main reasons:
- Food Fish: It is a popular fish to eat.
- Game Fish: It's also a challenging fish for people who enjoy fishing as a sport.
