Red mullet

Fish of the Mullidae family exhibits an elongated and laterally compressed body, with a pointed head and a terminal mouth equipped with fine, conical teeth. Unlike other species within the same family, the head of Mullus surmuletus is less steep. Its eyes are large and positioned on the upper part of the head. It displays a characteristically red or pink colouration on the upper part, fading to a lighter tone on the belly, featuring a distinctive pattern of longitudinal red and brown stripes along the body. Notably, it possesses two barbels on the lower jaw, longer than the pectoral fins, which it uses to explore the seabed in search of food. The pectoral fins are large and extend laterally, while the first dorsal fin exhibits characteristic markings. Additionally, the head is less steep, and the barbels are longer than the pectoral fin.