Mutton snapper

Mutton snapper
Mutton snapper
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Lutjanidae
Genus: Lutjanus
Species: L. analis
Binomial name
Lutjanus analis
(Cuvier, 1828)

The mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) is a fish of the Lutjanidae) family. Largely a Caribbean species, they can be found from North Carolina to South America. They prefer low relief reef structure searching for fishes, shrimps, crabs, squid, and snails. In the Florida keys they may be encountered in shallow water, over coralline bottom. In that habitat, they are very colorful with an olive tinted back and red sides. In deeper water, they can easily be mistaken for Red Snapper (L. Campechanus) Also a favorite of spear fishermen, the Mutton Snapper is an often difficult target as they don't allow close approach.

Mutton snapper is a highly prized fish by saltwater anglers. It can be caught on a variety of baits, but is most commonly caught on live or frozen shrimp, whole or cut squid, minnows, and smaller bait fish (such as live or dead pinfish). Muttons have been caught on artificial baits but seem to prefer live bait above all others as a general rule. Mutton snapper can generally be found in deeper (50' to 200' or deeper) water, although catches (generally of juveniles and smaller fish) are not uncommon in more shallow water. Muttons are also possible to catch on the surface during night-fishing expeditions. Muttons are typically known as great fighters relative to other snapper species, and thusly, are harder to land on lighter tackle. Many muttons are often landed as a "by-product" of anglers targeting other species of snapper[disambiguation needed ] or grouper.

Mutton snapper, especially adults, tend to be solitary, but can be seen in smaller schools. Mutton snapper is considered by most as excellent table fare. Like most of the snapper family, the meat is white, flaky and light; and is excellent prepared in a variety of ways.

Source

Notes

[1]

  1. ^ Mutton Snapper, Caught in 100ft water off Juno Beach, FL.


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