Mutton Snapper: Lutjanus analis

Appearance:

• Color olive green on back and upper sides
• All fins below the lateral line having reddish tinge
• Bright blue line below eye, following contour of operculum
• Anal fin pointed
• Small black spot below dorsal fin
• V-shaped tooth patch on roof of the mouth
  

Habitat:

Mutton snapper are an inshore species associated with grassbeds, mangroves, and canals.  Larger adults are  occasionally found on offshore reefs.

Behavior:

These snapper spawn in July and August.  Mutton snapper feed on fish, crustaceans, and snails.

State Record:

30 lb 4 oz, caught near the Dry Tortugas

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Additional Information:

Mutton snapper are similar in appearance to lane snapper, L. synagris.  Mutton snapper's anal fin is pointed whereas it is rounded in the lane snapper.

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles