Red mullet, also known as ‘goatfish’, is an astonishing fish to look at due to its unique bright red skin. You can find red mullet in tropical and warm seas, especially the Mediterranean, most of the year. The best time to enjoy red mullet is between August and October. Red mullet should be avoided during its spawning season which is from May to July.
Thanks to climate change and warmer sea temperatures around Britain, red mullet can now be fished sustainably on British shorelines all year round – a perfect excuse to pay greater attention to this fish.
The term ‘red mullet’ actually refers to two related species of fish: there is the common red mullet with a pinkish flesh and striped red mullet with racing stripes. Both varieties are unrelated to the grey mullet. Red mullet is known for its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, iron and phosphorus, so it’s healthy as well as delicious.
What to look for when buying red mullet
To get the best flavour from red mullet, it is important to buy the freshest available – the flesh should be firm. the eyes should be clear and bright and the gills bright red. The smell of the fish shouldn’t be strong or fishy. When choosing fillets of red mullet, look at the flesh to check that there is no discolouration or damage.
The bigger the fish, the better in terms of both taste and lessening environmental impact – The Good Fish Guide advises against buying fish less than 16cm in length as smaller fish will not have yet reached maturity. Choose gill or seine-netted fish where possible. Red mullet does not keep particularly well, so eat on the day of purchase.
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