A name in Messina in Sicily for red mullet, surmullet. Sea woodcock. A high quality fish of a different family from the other (grey) mullets, and which has a far better flavour and lean, firm flesh. Its liver is highly prized. Do not confuse it with gurnard, which has a slightly paler colour. This fish may vary from pinkish-reddish crimson to rosy pink in colour with golden streaks and two long barbels on the chin.There is another smaller variety, Mullus barbatus, but this, Mullus surmuletus, is the most prized variety.
