Fish ID required.

[Rob C]

Anyone know this species of fish? Photo take in Mylor, Cornwall.

Thanks.

[John Richmond]

Probably thick lipped grey mullet, Chelon labrosus.  Very common around harbours and estuaries in Devon and Cornwall.  I used to have to sample them by seining from the River Lynher in Cornwall to assist a colleagues PhD project.

[Rob C]

Thanks John, But I'm not convinced. Head is too flat and 'shark' like for mullet I think.

[spacecadet]

I would have confidently captioned this as mullet- I've seen them a few times in my life, and that's what they look like.

[Rob C]

Yes, it appears you're both right, and my suspicions were unfounded. Grey Mullet it is. Thanks for both of you taking the time to reply.

[Starsphinx]

Easier to catch with a camera and lens than a rod and line.  Lovely fish.

[John Richmond]

53 minutes ago, Starsphinx said:

Easier to catch with a camera and lens than a rod and line.  Lovely fish.

They're bottom and detritus feeders, filtering algae and small crustaceans from sand and mud, so not interested in normal bait.  Very poor eating - we only tried them once.  Never again.

[Starsphinx]

2 hours ago, John Richmond said:

They're bottom and detritus feeders, filtering algae and small crustaceans from sand and mud, so not interested in normal bait.  Very poor eating - we only tried them once.  Never again.

Lots of people try - and get very frustrated trying to catch them.  I believe freely floating bread is a favourite but they have very sensitive mouths and do detect hooks and line.  Never eaten one - I meant lovely as in lovely to watch them around harbours.

[John Richmond]

1 hour ago, Starsphinx said:

Lots of people try - and get very frustrated trying to catch them.  I believe freely floating bread is a favourite but they have very sensitive mouths and do detect hooks and line.

The advantages of a scientific sampling licence and a small seine net.  😊

Edited July 23, 2019 by John Richmond
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