Golden grey mullet
Chelon auratus
FR Mulet doré · ES Lisa dorada · PT Tainha-garrento · IT Cefalo dorato · DE Goldmeeräsche
Also known as: Tainha-douradaLisa doradaMulet doréGoldmeeräscheCefalo doratoTainha-garrento
Surf/EstuaryShore
Score
—
Prime time
Late spring–autumn
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–SepGood May–Oct
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Float fishing60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
Small, shy, and easy to spot once you know the trick — look for the gold smudge behind my eye, then watch me bolt at the first shadow on the water...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuarySandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
Fly
Diet
AlgaeDetritusZooplanktonCopepodsAmphipods
Effective techniques
Sliding FloatFloat FishingSaltwater Fly
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskFlooding tide
My genus name Chelon comes from the Greek for 'tortoise' — a nod to my smooth, streamlined shell of a body.
Field notes
Where to find them
Southern/western coasts, sandy bays and estuaries
Where they hang out
0–10 m surf zone
Prime time
Late spring–autumn
Tide game
More active on a flooding tide
What they're into
Bread, small worms, shrimp
Temperature vibe
Thrives 18–26°C
Fave weather
Settled, sunny conditions suit it
Fun fact about me
Gold-flecked gill covers set me apart from the other grey mullets — subtle bling.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Check local size rulesLocal/regional fisheries authority
Looking after them
Least Concern