Mullus barbatus

Red mullet

Q: What is the best season to catch Red mullet?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

barbonetriglia rossa

Very common species on sandy and muddy bottoms, feeds by digging in sediment.

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Size10-25 cm

Weight0.1-0.4 kg

Depth10-150 m

Difficulty★★★★★

Lifespan8 years

FamilyMullidae

Overview

Very common species on sandy and muddy bottoms, feeds by digging in sediment.

Identification

Sensory barbels under the mouthFins with dark edgesBright colorationLaterally compressed bodyLarge eyesSmall lower mouth

Body: The body is elongated and laterally compressed.
Colouration: It has a reddish coloring with yellow and silver longitudinal bands.
Sexual dimorphism: Absent/not very noticeable
Growth: Moderate with steady growth during early years

Taxonomy

Family: Mullidae
Order: Perciformes
Class: Actinopterygii

Related species

Mullus surmuletusUpeneus japonicusParupeneus ciliatusParupeneus multifasciatusMullus argentinae

Habitat & distribution

Environment: coast, open_sea, reefs
Preferred bottom: sand, mud
Geographic distribution: Predominantly found in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and eastern Atlantic from European coasts to Senegal.
Micro-habitat: It hides in sandy and muddy bottoms, often near sea grasses, searching for food.

Often found near nutrient-rich coastal areas.

Presence by sea area

Tirreno NordPeak

Tirreno CentroPeak

Tirreno SudPeak

Adriatico NordPeak

Adriatico CentroPeak

Adriatico SudPeak

Ionio NordPeak

Ionio CentroPeak

Sardegna OvestPeak

Sardegna EstPeak

Sicilia TirrenoPeak

Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak

Eu Mediterraneo OvestPeak

Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak

Eu Golfo BiscagliaPeak

Eu Mare NordPeak

Eu ManicaPeak

Diet

Primary prey: small crustaceans, marine worms, mollusks
Secondary prey: small fish, marine insect larvae, zooplankton
Occasional prey: algae, organic debris
Feeding behaviour: Feeds during the day by digging into the sediment to find food using its barbels.
Natural predators: octopuses, predatory fish like bass, groupers, seagulls

Feeds mainly by digging in the substrate for hidden prey.

Behaviour

Activity: diurnal
Social behaviour: small_groups
Aggressiveness: low
Migration: Sedentary, but may move slightly to find food.
Seasonal behaviour: Moves closer to shore in summer, prefers deeper waters in winter.
Juveniles: Young often form small groups near the coast.
Adults: Adults are solitary or in small groups, preferring sandy bottoms.

Reproduction

Spawning season: May, June, July
Spawning depth: between 20 and 60 meters
Eggs: The eggs are pelagic, small, and transparent, floating on the surface.
Larval stage: Larvae are planktonic and develop near the surface until reaching the juvenile stage.
Sexual maturity: Varies between 2 and 3 years

When to catch Red mullet

Activity calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

PeakGoodLowInactive

Activity by season

Spring

90%

Summer

100%

Autumn

90%

Winter

70%

Best times

Daymattino

Nightnotte

This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Ideal conditions

Atmospheric pressure

Low

Very active on bottom.

Medium

Regular activity.

High

Stays close to bottom.

Barometric trend

Water temperature

10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C

Preferred tide: moving

Where to catch it

Best spots

sandy bottomsnear rockscoastal areasriver mouths

Bottom preference

Sand

100%

Mud

90%

Mixed

70%

Seagrass

50%

Rock

40%

Spot type

Beach

100%

Estuary

90%

Harbour

70%

Pier

70%

Boat

70%

Reef

40%

Fishing techniques

Recommended

small netsgillnetslonglineshandlines

Other applicable

BolentinoPesca A FondoBolentino LeggeroBeach FishingBologneseBolognese LeggeraBolognese MediaPesca A Fondo LeggeraPesca A GalleggianteSurfcastingSurfcasting Leggero

Recommended baits

shrimpshell fragmentsfish piecesannelids

Baits by pressure

Low

ArenicolaBibiVerme americano

Medium

Gambero morto / Gambero

High

ArenicolaBibiVerme americanoVerme coreanoBeach wormBigattinoEsca naturale (generica)

Catch & handling tips

Fight: Offers little resistance when hooked, primarily tries to hide at the bottom.
Handling: Handle with care to avoid damaging the delicate skin.
Release: Release quickly and carefully, keeping the fish moist.

Curiosities & culture

Record catches: Muddy mullets can reach a maximum length of 30 cm and a weight of about 1 kg. Larger catches are often recorded in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas.
In the kitchen: Frequently used in fish soups and fried, typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
Cultural notes: A culinary specialty in many Italian coastal regions.
Historical notes: Celebrated since ancient Roman times, appreciated for its delicate flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best season to catch Red mullet?

March, april, may, june, july, august, september, october, november. This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Which techniques work best for Red mullet?

small nets, gillnets, longlines, handlines

What does Red mullet feed on?

small crustaceans, marine worms, mollusks

At what depth does Red mullet live?

10-150 m. It hides in sandy and muddy bottoms, often near sea grasses, searching for food.