Red mullet
Two species of goatfish found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
The red mullet refers to Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus. These fish are valued food sources and were famous luxury items in ancient Roman times.
- Includes Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus.
- Found in the Mediterranean and east North Atlantic.
- Romans reared them in ponds as luxury pets.
- Sold for their weight in silver in antiquity.
- Sacred to Greek goddess Demeter.
What it is
The term red mullet describes two distinct species within the goatfish family known as Mullidae. These are Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus. The latter is occasionally called the striped red mullet due to markings on its first dorsal fin. Despite their common name, they are not closely related to grey mullets which belong to a different family. The name surmullet likely derives from French and possibly a Germanic root meaning reddish brown. They are easily distinguished by physical features though names overlap in local languages.
Where it lives
These fish inhabit the Mediterranean Sea, the eastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Black Sea. They are coastal dwellers found in these specific marine environments.
Breeding and life cycle
Ancient writer Claudius Aelianus recorded that the red mullet was believed to give birth three times a year. This reproductive frequency was one reason cited for its honour in certain rituals. Another account suggested it ate the sea-hare which was considered deadly to humans.
Fish and people
Red mullets are highly prized delicacies in the Mediterranean region. Ancient Romans reared them in ponds where owners would caress them and feed them at the sound of a voice or bell. They were so expensive that specimens were sometimes sold for their weight in silver. One statesman exiled to Marseille joked he had no regrets as long as he could eat them. They were also sacred to the Greek goddess Demeter and significant in the cult of Hecate.
Questions people ask about Red mullet
What is the difference between red mullet and grey mullet?
They are not closely related. Red mullet belongs to the goatfish family Mullidae. Grey mullet belongs to the family Mugilidae. They share a name but have different classifications.
Why were red mullets so expensive in ancient Rome?
They were considered a luxury food. Owners reared them in ponds and fed them personally. Their high value meant some were sold for their weight in silver.
Are there different types of red mullet?
Yes, there are two species: Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus. The second is sometimes called the striped red mullet due to its dorsal fin markings.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Red mullet", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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