Mullus barbatus

How to identify a Red Mullet

Red Mullet are found in coastal waters, reefs, estuaries, or open ocean depending on species. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Coastal waters, reefs, estuaries, or open ocean depending on species

Where to catch Red Mullet

• Mediterranean estuaries — all species we list for this fishery
• Atlantic Europe — all species we list for this fishery
• Gulf of Mexico — all species we list for this fishery
• Australian estuaries — all species we list for this fishery

Red Mullet by state

State season calendars that list Red Mullet — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• Texas — seasons, best months and licence info

Baits and lures

Cut bait · live bait · jigs · and trolling lures suited to the target species

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Red Mullet:

• Golden Grey Mullet — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Striped Mullet — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Striped Red Mullet — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• White Mullet — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Red Drum (Redfish) — identification & profile (Saltwater)
• Red Emperor — identification & profile (Saltwater)