A CELEBRATED FISH FOR CYPRIOT PLATES
A MEMBER OF THE GOATFISH FAMILY
The Striped Red Mullet, also known as Barbouni, is one of the two species of Red Mullet that inhabits Cypriot waters. The other species is the Plain Red Mullet, also known as Koutsomoura and both fish belong to the Goatfish family. As well as the Mediterranean Sea, these fish are also found in the the Black Sea and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
GOLDEN YELLOW STRIPES
Scientifically known as Mullus Surmuletus, the Striped Red Mullet can reach a length of up to 45 cm and weigh up to two kilograms, although more commonly, it is about 25 cm long and weighs about a quarter of a kilogram. The fish earned its more common name because of the presence of golden-yellow stripes along its red hued body. Another distinctive feature of the fish includes a pair of moustache-like sensory barbells on its lower lips.
A FIRM CYPRIOT CULINARY FAVOURITE
Once cooked, the firm Cypriot culinary favourite is widely recognised for its firm flesh and light buttery texture. Its pale pink flesh owes its sweet and rich flavour to its diet of shellfish, which it finds in sandy or muddy seabeds that it often inhabits. Although this fish is relatively expensive with a high commercial value, it is still highly appreciated and is available in numerous seafood restaurants and supermarkets throughout Cyprus.
