Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Mugilidae
- Genus
- Chelon
- Species
- labrosus
Habitat
Thicklip mullets primarily inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, and brackish lagoons along the eastern Atlantic from Norway to Senegal, as well as the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They prefer shallow areas with sandy or muddy substrates, often forming schools near the shore. This species tolerates a range of salinities, from fully marine to brackish environments.
Diet
Thicklip mullets feed mainly on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. They are bottom-feeders, using their thick lips to scrape food from substrates like sand or rocks. Feeding activity is most common during the day in shallow waters.
Behavior
Thicklip mullets are highly social, forming large schools that provide protection from predators. They are diurnal, actively swimming and feeding during the day while resting in deeper waters at night. Some populations exhibit seasonal migrations to coastal areas for spawning.
Fishing
Target Thicklip mullet in coastal waters, estuaries, and brackish lagoons along the eastern Atlantic from Norway to Senegal, and in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, where they school in shallow, sandy or muddy substrates—prime spots include areas like Zuid Pier in Holland or Southern Norway's shores. Use bottom fishing techniques with light to medium tackle, such as a 7-9 foot rod, a reel with 10-20 lb test monofilament line, and a simple Carolina rig or paternoster setup for effective presentations; bait them with worms, shrimp, or bread to imitate their diet of algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. The best season is summer during daylight hours when they actively feed, aligning with their spawning migrations and diurnal behavior for higher success rates. Adults typically reach 30-50 cm and up to 7 pounds 12 ounces, with the IGFA all-tackle world record at 7 pounds 12 ounces, caught in European waters. These fish benefit from angler-funded conservation programs, like those supported by European fishing licenses, which promote catch-and-release practices and habitat protection to maintain their stable, Least Concern status as assessed by the IUCN, ensuring healthy populations through effective management tools such as regulated seasons.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.