BIOLOGY
Red mullet is a member of the Mullidae family. Distributed throughout the world in tropical and warm temperate seas, it is one of two species found in the Mediterranean (the other being Mullus barbatus). It is also found as far north as Britain and Ireland in summer. It can attain a length of 45 cm and is reported to live up to 10 years. It has distinctive barbels - sensory organs - with which it detects food in the sea bed. This is the reason for its alternative name - goat fish. Spawns in May-July in the Channel area. Becomes sexually mature at 2 years at about 22 cm length.
ADVICE
Taken as by-catch and in mixed trawl fisheries. Avoid eating immature fish (less than 22cm) and fresh (not previously frozen) fish caught during the summer spawning season (May-July). Red mullet subject to high fishing pressure in Mediterranean fisheries.
