Mutton snapper

Mutton fish
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Snappers
Scientific Family Lutjanidae
Scientific Name Lutjanus analis
Spanish Name Pargo criollo
ITIS# 168849
Tail shape Emarginate

Back and upper sides olive green, whitish with a red tinge on lower sides and belly. A black spot is on the upper back just above the lateral line and below the anterior dorsal fin rays. A pair of blue stripes runs on the snout-cheek region, the upper continuing behind eye to upper opercle edge.


Biology

Adults occur in continental shelf areas as well as clear waters around islands. Large adults usually among rocks and coral while juveniles occur over sandy, vegetated (usually seagrass) seabeds. They form small groups which disband during the night. Feed both day and night on fishes, shrimps, crabs, cephalopods, and gastropods.

Appearance

Body Shape
Compressiform
Color
Main Color: Green-yellow
Other Color: silver
Common Body Shape
Flattened side to side


Pattern
Barred
Length
Avg Length: 20 inches (50 cm)
Max Length: 37 inches (94 cm)
Maximum Weight
34.3 lbs (15600 g)




Specifications

Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
Some decline
Range in USA
MA-TX


Abundance
Very Common


Other Species from same Family