Picture Courtesy of NOAA

Gary's Seafood Specialties

"Famous By Word Of Mouth"

Florida Seafood

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Mutton Snapper

Lutjanus Analis

This species of snapper has many common names including: Mutton Snapper, Mutton Fish, King Snapper, Virgin Snapper as well as just plain “Snapper.” Populations of this fish have been on the decline, as this species of snapper is commonly sold as “Red Snapper.” Mutton Snapper is listed as “vulnerable” by The World Conservation Union (TWCU). Mutton Snapper are often confused with Lane Snapper, however Lane Snapper have yellow pelvic fins and a round anal fin. Mutton Snapper have red fins and a pointed anal fin.

Like most snapper, these fish have a range from Massachusetts to Brazil even though they prefer the tropical waters of The Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the waters of the Bahamas. They are found in great numbers in Florida.

Juveniles live inshore, out of harms way of predators and feed on plankton. As they grow, they gradually move further out to sea, and their diet changes to crab, shrimp, snails, mullet and grunts. Once they become established in an area, they generally stay in that area. Mutton Snapper generally live in 80-310 feet of water, around reefs and rock rubble. Unlike many other species of fish that eat at certain times, Mutton Snapper are said to “graze” during the entire course of the day.

Mutton Snapper tend to form small schools during the day, which disband at night. During spawning, Mutton Snapper tend to gather in large groups also. One interesting fact is that Mutton Snapper always spawn in the same place, and during the same lunar cycle each and every year. Most of the spawning occurs in the Northeastern Caribbean during the month of February; however, this species does spawn during warm weather months in other areas of their range. Like other snapper, their eggs are released into the water, float to the top and are carried by the currents. The number of eggs released by a female is directly related to the size of the fish.

The average size for a Mutton Snapper is about 20”, or 5-10 pounds. They become sexually mature at around 16”. At 1 year of age, a Mutton Snapper is about 6.3”, and at the end of their 14 year life span, they average about 30.6”. The maximum length for these fish is generally 32”

The major predators of the Mutton Snapper are sharks and other species of snapper.

The Mutton Snapper is a great sport fish, which has a reputation for putting up an excellent fight. Although populations have dwindled in recent years, the fish continues to be a very important commercial fish. Mutton Snapper are caught by boat seines, gill nets, bottom longlines, handlines, traps and spear fishing for commercial use.

Mutton snapper has a very firm texture, which lends itself well to grilling, sautéing and braising. Like other snapper, it has a delicate flavor, though more robust than other species of snapper.

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