Red mullet, Striped red mullet | Good Fish Guide | The consumer guide to sustainable seafood

Red mullet, Striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus)

Common name - Red mullet, Striped red mullet

Scientific name - Mullus surmuletus

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Consumer Information

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). Also found as far north as Britain and Ireland in summer. A small fish, belonging to the Mullidae or Goatfishes family. It is a relatively fast growing species, maturing at 2 years old. Red mullet has a hoover-like mouth and distinctive barbels - sensory organs - with which it detects food and sifts it from the sea bed. The barbels are the reason for its alternative name - goat fish. It is not related to the grey mullet.?In general, red mullet are a reddish pink with yellow stripes. The vibrant red colour fades as soon as they die. Its high fat content adds a richness to it's flavour. It's liver is considered a delicacy and the fish is often sold and cooked ungutted (though its advisable to remove the green gall bladder which can impart a bitter flavour). Good grilled, but can be shallow fried or baked. Taken as by-catch and in mixed trawl fisheries in Britain. Avoid eating immature fish (less than 22cm) and fresh (not previously frozen) fish caught during the summer spawning season (May-July). Avoid eating abroad as it is subject to high fishing pressure in Mediterranean fisheries.

Summary

There is no EU management for the species which is a cause for concern as red mullet is taken in both targeted fisheries and as bycatch. Two management units are indentified in European waters - a Western and a Northern unit. Although no formal stock assessments have been carried out, survey data from the North Sea indicate a considerable increase in the stock size since the 1990s. A minimum landing size of 15 cm is enforced in the jurisdiction of the Cornish Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority. Although this is just below 16 cm, the size at which they mature (in the English Channel), this is the only management measure for this species, so fish from this area is the best choice currently available. Avoid eating immature fish (less than 16 cm) and fresh (not previously frozen) fish caught during the summer spawning season (May-July).

Alternatives

(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)

Basa, Tra, Catfish or Vietnamese River Cobbler
Bass, seabass
Bream, gilthead
Gurnard, Grey
Gurnard, Red
Gurnard, Yellow or Tub
John Dory
Red mullet, Striped red mullet
Tilapia

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