MUTTON SNAPPER – Lutjanus analis
Family Lutjanidae, SNAPPERS
Descriptions: 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 mouth.
Similar fish: lane snapper, L. synagris (anal fin pointed in mutton snapper, rounded in lane).
Where found: INSHORE associated with grassbeds, mangroves, and canals; larger adults found on OFFSHORE reefs.
Size: common to 15 pounds.
Remarks: spawns in July and August; feeds on fish, crustaceans, and snails.
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