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Mullet Fishing: Species ID

Mullet Fishing: Species ID

  
  

The following photos show some of the key features that can help to differentiate between the three UK mullet species. Please see also the Golden-Grey ID Supplement, if necessary.



The following photos show some of the key features that can help to differentiate between the three UK mullet species. Please see also the Golden-Grey ID Supplement, if necessary.


   

 
  • Overall appearance - there is a good deal of variation, particularly in thicklips
  • Overall appearance;

    • - there is a good deal of variation, particularly in thicklips

    		  
     

    Thicklip:

    		  

    Thinlip:

    		  
     

    Golden-Grey:

    Golden-Grey:

    		 
     

    - noticeably slimy, especially when out of the water for a while. Possibly less prone to shedding scales than the other two species

    - noticeably slimy, especially when out of the water for a while. Possibly less prone to shedding scales than the other two species

    		  
     

    Thicklip:

    Thinlip:

    - there is often the suggestion of a black spot at the base of the pectoral, which is sometimes still visible when seen swimming, also orange/gold colouration in the eye (see below)

    Golden-Grey:

    - usually quite slender, particularly the neck of the tail. There is usually, but not always, a gold mark on the gill cover, but this can also be present in thicklips. The pectoral fin is usually quite long and 'scimitar-like', but again, not always.

    		  

    Thicklip:

    Thinlip:

    - there is often the suggestion of a black spot at the base of the pectoral, which is sometimes still visible when seen swimming, also orange/gold colouration in the eye (see below)

    Golden-Grey:

    - usually quite slender, particularly the neck of the tail. There is usually, but not always, a gold mark on the gill cover, but this can also be present in thicklips. The pectoral fin is usually quite long and 'scimitar-like', but again, not always.
     

     

  • Head, lip, mouth, teeth, eye and pectoral:
    		•     
     

    Thicklip:

    Thinlip:

    - golden colouration in the eyes

    Golden-Grey:

    		  
     

    Thicklip:

    Thinlip:

    - golden colouration in the eyes

    Golden-Grey:

    		  
     


    - pectoral fins tend to look stubby when seen swimming

    		  

    - pectoral fins tend to look stubby when seen swimming
     

    - note the papillae on the top lip, absent in the other two species, but usually present in thicklips

    		     

    - note the papillae on the top lip, absent in the other two species,
    but usually present in thicklips
     

     

    There are no teeth present
    in thicklips

     

    Small teeth are said to be present
    in thinlips (no photo)

    Small teeth are present on the upper lip in golden-greys

    		  

     

    There are no teeth present in thicklips

     

    Small teeth are said to be present in thinlips
    (no photo)

    Small teeth are present on the upper
    lip in golden-greys
     

     

  • Jugular space, between the gill covers:
    		•   
     

    Thicklip:

    - papillae clearly visible

    Thinlip:

    Golden-Grey:

    		  

    Thicklip:

    - papillae clearly visible

    Thinlip:

    Golden-Grey:
     

    Thicklip; papillae almost absent:

    Thicklip; extensive gold markings:

    Thicklip; 'gold spot':

    		  

    Thicklip; papillae almost absent:

    Thicklip; extensive gold markings:

    Thicklip;
    'gold spot':

    Thinlip; gold on gill cover:

    Please see also the National Mullet Club ID Guide

     

    Last updated 01.07.25