Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 3. Longer pectoral fins, lack of black spot at the pectoral fin base. Golden spot present in gill cover (Ref. 35388).
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Mugiliformes
Family: Mugilidae
Genus: Chelon
Species: Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810)
Climate Zone
Biology
Adults are neritic usually in schools, entering lagoons and lower estuaries (Ref. 7399); rarely entering freshwater (Ref. 3573, 59043). Juveniles move to coastal lagoons and estuaries in winter and especially in spring (Ref. 59043). They feed on small benthic organisms, detritus, and occasionally on insects and plankton (Ref. 2804). Juveniles feed only on zooplankton (Ref. 59043). Reproduction takes place in the sea, from July to November. Oviparous, eggs are pelagic and non-adhesive (Ref. 205). Minimum size allowed for fishing is 20 cm. The quality of the flesh is variable (Ref. 30578).
Habitat
freshwater
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threat to Humans
Harmless
Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810)