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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Red mullet: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Mullus barbatus

Red mullet searches soft bottoms with its barbels. The bottom-dragging method described by Laurent Duclos provides a practical approach; the scientific CNR-IRBIM manual confirms natural bait, notably polychaete worms, for both red mullet species.

Catalogue names : Rouget-barbet de vase. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Found in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and eastern Atlantic from Senegal to Scandinavia, with records around the Azores; DORIS describes it as rare in the English Channel and North Sea.

  • Documented presence : Eastern Atlantic
  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea
  • Documented presence : Black Sea
  • Documented presence : English Channel
  • Documented presence : North Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Compare the steep forehead and colourless first dorsal fin of Mullus barbatus with the more sloping forehead and striped dorsal fin of striped red mullet. The two barbels alone do not distinguish them. In juveniles the forehead may be less distinctive: retain uncertainty if the fins cannot be seen.

Habitat

Muddy, sandy or gravelly continental-shelf bottoms. For this bottom-dragging method, choose soft ground where the rig can move; this does not mean applying the presentation at every depth occupied by the fish.

Diet

Small bottom-dwelling crustaceans, worms and molluscs.

Behaviour

The fish searches the substrate for invertebrates; its barbels help detect them. A cloud of sediment alone does not identify the fish responsible.

Indicative biological size

25–30 cm on average according to DORIS; a descriptive range.

Fishing context and precautions

Laurent Duclos names Mullus barbatus and describes this bottom-dragging method over soft ground:

1. Use a sliding weight, bead and a leader with one hook suited to the bait.

2. Hold the rod and pull 50 cm to 1 m at a time, with intervals of 20 seconds to 1 minute, keeping the line taut.

3. Choose a sensitive rod to detect bites. These values describe his practice; they do not guarantee a catch and remain subject to local rules.

A distinctive feature

Its barbels carry sensory organs.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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