Red mullet

A red mullet is a type of goatfish that has a pair of barbels on its chin.

It lives in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.

It is a carnivorous fish that feeds on worms, molluscs and crustaceans.

It is a valued delicacy in many cuisines.

The red mullet, known scientifically as Mullus barbatus, is a vibrant fish cherished for its distinctive reddish hue and creamy, flavorful flesh. Commonly found in the Mediterranean and parts of the Atlantic, it usually inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms. Renowned for its culinary versatility, red mullet is a delicacy in various cuisines, often grilled, fried, or used in soups. Beyond dining, this fish plays a crucial ecological role, feeding on small invertebrates and contributing to the marine food web. Its striking appearance and taste make it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike.

The red mullet is a common name for two species of goatfish, Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus, that belong to the family Mullidae.

The are found in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, east North Atlantic Ocean.

The red mullet is a fish that belongs to the goatfish family.

It has a bright red skin and an elongated body that is compressed from the sides.

This fish can grow up to 30 cm long, but usually it is 10–20 cm.

The red mullet has two dorsal fins, the first one with stripes, and a fork-shaped tail fin.

It lives in tropical and warm seas, especially the Mediterranean, the east North Atlantic, and the Black Sea.

This fish is a prized delicacy in many cuisines, and it is known for its high fat content and rich flavour.

Once upon a time in a coastal village, where the waves danced to the rhythm of the wind and the sun dipped low in vibrant hues, there lived a devoted horse trainer named Lark. She spent her days tending to majestic steeds at the stables, her heart as wild and free as the galloping horses. But her evenings were enchanted by a most unusual companion - a curious red mullet named Abby. Abby wasn't just any fish; her shimmering scales reflected the sun's rays like stained glass, and her curious nature made her adored by the villagers.

Abby had an insatiable curiosity about land life. Every evening, Lark would sit by the edge of the dock, and Abby would swim close, listening intently as Lark spoke about her day and the beautiful horses she trained. Lark would tell tales of daring foals, trusted companions, and the thrill of racing against the wind, while Abby responded with graceful flips, her little fish heart fluttering in delight.

One warm summer night, while tossing pebbles into the sea and watching the stars blink into existence, Lark spoke about the high price of salt licks for the horses. "It's almost outrageous," she sighed, tossing her head back to gaze at the starry sky. "But my horses deserve the best. A good salt lick keeps them healthy and strong."

Abby, fascinated, swam closer. "What's a salt lick?" she wiggled her little fins inquisitively.

"It's a block of salt that helps horses maintain their health. They need to replenish minerals in their bodies, just like you need clean water to thrive," Lark explained, her voice soft and melodic. "But the price... it is getting higher every season. I don't know how I will afford it this time."

That night, Abby's fins stirred with determination. "If it's the price of salt you're worried about, I'll find a way to help!" she declared, swimming off into the deeper waters beneath the moonlit glow.

Days passed, and Lark's heart felt heavy as the price of salt licks continued to rise. One morning, Abby returned, her tiny frame glimmering under the sun. Lark noticed something round and shiny attached to her fin. "What is that, dear Abby?" Lark asked, leaning closer.

Abby flipped, excited yet a bit shy, showcasing a treasure trove of small, glimmering shells and strange trinkets she had gathered from the ocean floor. "These are treasures from my underwater friends! We've gathered what we can - a barter for the salt lick. The sea has provided these, and we can trade them!"

Lark's eyes widened in amazement. "But that's brilliant, Abby! We can trade them with the merchant!"

Together, they set out to the market, Abby nestled safely in Lark's basket. As they approached the stall of the merchant, Lark explained the situation and presented the sparkling shells. The merchant, a gruff but kind man known for his love of sea life, scrutinized the treasures closely.

"That's quite a collection!" he said, a twinkle in his eye. "These shells are rare, and I can offer you a fair price for them."

With each shell traded, Lark felt a weight lift from her heart. Soon they had enough to purchase several salt licks - the very best kind. As the merchant placed the shiny licks into a basket, Lark turned to Abby, her heart swelling with gratitude. "You've done it! I couldn't have done this without you."

As they made their way back to the stables, Lark couldn't resist the urge to celebrate. They shared a quiet moment by the water, where the sun cast a golden hue over everything. "You know, Abby, you might just be the best friend a girl could ask for," Lark whispered, patting the basket affectionately.

Abby splashed joyfully, her eyes twinkling as brightly as the stars above. "And you're the best trainer in the world! I'll always be by your side, Lark."

From that day on, Lark and Abby formed an unbreakable bond, their friendship a blend of land and sea. Lark trained her horses with renewed passion, a gleam in her heart reflecting the very treasures they had exchanged. And as for Abby, she knew that true companions would always go the extra mile, even if it meant diving deep into the depths of the ocean to find what was needed. Together, they embraced the enchanting dance of their unique friendship - forever a tale woven into the fabric of their coastal village.