Striped red mullet
A striped goatfish from the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
The striped red mullet is a goatfish species found in the Mediterranean, eastern North Atlantic, and Black Sea. It lives at various depths and is valued as both a commercial food fish and a target for sport anglers.
- Reaches a maximum length of 40 centimetres.
- Found in depths from 5 to 409 metres.
- Distinguished by a striped first dorsal fin.
- Valued as both a commercial and game fish.
What it is
This fish belongs to the goatfish family, known scientifically as Mullidae. It is distinct from grey mullets, which are in a separate order. The body is streamlined, reaching a maximum standard length of forty centimetres, though twenty-five centimetres is more typical. The heaviest recorded specimen weighed one kilogram. A key visual feature is the striped pattern on its first dorsal fin, which helps distinguish it from the similar red mullet.
Where it lives
Its distribution covers the Mediterranean Sea, the eastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Black Sea. The species adapts to a wide range of depths within these waters. Individuals can be found in shallow areas as little as five metres deep. They also inhabit much deeper zones, down to four hundred and nine metres, depending on their specific location within the broader geographic range.
Fish and people
Fishermen value this species for both commercial markets and recreational angling. It is considered a game fish, attracting those who enjoy the challenge of catching it. In culinary traditions, particularly in the Mediterranean region, it is regarded as a high-quality seafood item. Its distinct appearance and taste make it a sought-after catch for chefs and home cooks alike.
Questions people ask about Striped red mullet
How can you tell it apart from other red mullets?
Look at the first dorsal fin. The striped red mullet has distinct stripes on this fin, while the similar Mullus barbatus does not. This visual marker is the most reliable way to distinguish between the two species.
Is it related to grey mullet?
No, they are only very distantly related. Grey mullets belong to a separate order and family. The striped red mullet is a goatfish, part of the family Mullidae, which is biologically distinct from the grey mullet group.
What is the maximum size of this fish?
The maximum recorded standard length is forty centimetres. Most individuals caught are smaller, typically around twenty-five centimetres. The heaviest specimen on record weighed one kilogram.
Good reading and sources
- Striped red mullet on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Striped 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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