MULLET

‘There are two true ‘‘mullets,’’ different in family, size, and appearance —the small Red and the large Grey. The former, so named for the coppery color of the upper part of its body, 1s found plentifully in the Indo-Pacific, and also to some extent in Europe, where its firm, lean, and delicious flesh brings high prices. It has indeed always been esteemed one of the epicure’s choice Juxuries —in ancient Rome it was held in extravagant regard among wealthy patricians. The Grey mullet is le delicate in flavor, but is neverthele an excellent food fish. The two most important species are the Common, or Striped (see the color page opposite), and the White, or Blue-back. The Common grows to a length of two feet and is very abundant in the rivers, estuaries, bays, and lagoons of the southern and Gulf states. It is dark bluish or greenish above and silvery on the sides, with a dark. stripe along each scale row. Its average market weight is five to six pounds and its chief season from June to October. The White mullet is found on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, most freely in tropical waters. It is similar though without, or with only very light, stripes.