The Golden Grey Mullet (Chelon auratus) is a species of fish belonging to the family Mugilidae. Found in various aquatic environments, including brackish water, freshwater, and seawater, this species exhibits a fascinating blend of adaptability and ecological importance.
Description & Characteristics
The Golden Grey Mullet is a relatively large fish, reaching a maximum size of 61.0 cm. Its body is typically elongated and somewhat compressed, with a silvery-gray coloration that often displays golden hues, particularly along the flanks. This striking coloration contributes to its common name. The species possesses a single dorsal fin, followed by a smaller, adipose fin, and a forked caudal fin.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Golden Grey Mullet (Chelon auratus) exhibits a wide range of habitat preferences, thriving in various environments. It is frequently found in Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic., making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. Its adaptability extends to brackish water, freshwater, and seawater, indicating its capacity to tolerate a range of salinity levels.
Taxonomy
The species Chelon auratus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Mugiliformes, and Family: Mugilidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of fish known for their characteristic elongated bodies, often associated with coastal and estuarine environments.
Feeding
The Golden Grey Mullet (Chelon auratus) is an omnivore, displaying a diverse diet that includes algae, amphipods, aquatic plants, copepods, Daphnia salina, detritus, insects, invertebrates, ostracodes (seed shrimps), phytoplankton, sea squirts, snails, worms, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. This feeding strategy underscores its ecological role as a significant component of the food web, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.
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