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The common name for fishes of the family Mullidae, formerly included in the perch family, but distinguished by having two dorsal fins placed at a very wide interval, the first being spinous. Two long barbels hang from the under jaw, or, when not in use, are folded up against it. The typical genus is Mullus. The red or plain surmullet (M. barbatus or ruber) inhabits the Mediterranean, and attains a length of about 12 inches. Its flesh is esteemed very delicious, and was extravagantly prized by the Romans. It is remarkable for the brilliancy of its colors. The striped or common surmullet (M. surmuletus) is somewhat larger, but equal to the red surmullet in delicacy. It is pretty common on the southern and south-western shores of England.