The mutton snapper was first scientifically described in 1828 by the renowned French zoologist Georges Cuvier. Its classification places it within the family Lutjanidae, a family of snappers. The specific name, "analis," derives from the sharp, red anal fin, a distinctive characteristic of this species.
The mutton snapper boasts a moderately deep, almond-shaped body with a nearly lunate caudal fin. Its dorsal fin exhibits a fascinating two-lobed structure, while the anal fin captures attention with its sharply pointed appearance. Notably, the pectoral fin extends just beyond the origin of the anal fin.
Upon closer examination, you'll notice the mutton snapper's small eyes, straight dorsal profile on the forehead, and a comparatively large terminal mouth. The upper jaw is protrusible, mostly concealed by the cheek bone when closed. Equipped with 1-2 rows of conical teeth, some of which resemble canines, the mutton snapper displays an array of dental prowess. Additionally, its vomerine teeth are arranged in a chevron-shaped patch on the palate.
With vibrant coloration, the mutton snapper showcases olive green on its back and upper flanks, transitioning to reddish hues on the lower flanks and abdomen. A distinguishing black spot lies between the lateral line and the spiny part of the dorsal fin. Beneath its eyes, a pair of blue stripes captivates observers, with the higher stripe continuing onto the operculum. The caudal fin bears a striking black margin.
During periods of rest, the mutton snapper exhibits 10 to 12 dark vertical bars along its body. However, these bars merge into a solid coloration while the fish is swimming. The fins of this species, ranging from the dorsal to the pectoral fins, showcase vivid shades of red, accentuating its beauty and allure.
The mutton snapper can be found throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, stretching from Massachusetts in the north to Brazil in the south. It thrives in warmer waters, particularly in regions such as Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Within its habitat, the mutton snapper prefers relatively shallow and clear waters, with depths ranging from 25 to 95 meters (82 to 312 feet). The ideal water temperature for this species falls between 18.9 and 27.8 °C (66.0 and 82.0 °F). While larger adults inhabit offshore reefs and areas with rock rubble, juveniles seek shelter in inshore waters, often found in tidal mangrove creeks, canals, and shallow protected bays. Turtle grass beds frequently serve as sanctuaries for juvenile mutton snappers.
As a predatory species, the mutton snapper adapts its diet throughout its life cycle. During its larval stage, it sustains itself by feeding on plankton near the sea's surface. Once settled in turtle grass beds, the mutton snapper graduates to larger plankton and small invertebrates. As it continues to grow, its diet expands to include crustaceans, gastropods, and smaller fish, such as grunts and mullets.
Feeding activities are not limited to specific periods, as mutton snappers engage in picking at their prey throughout the day. Notably, the fish's body coloration alters depending on the feeding method, with a dark barred pattern emerging during bottom-feeding sessions.
The mutton snapper exhibits fascinating reproductive behavior. While it spawns throughout its range, the primary spawning area lies in the northeastern Caribbean. These fish gather in large, transient aggregations for the purpose of spawning. In the Caribbean, spawning occurs in February, while other regions experience spawning during the summer months. Notably, this species spawns consistently at the same place and time each year, relative to the lunar calendar.
During spawning, females release pelagic eggs into the water column, carried by ocean currents. The males then fertilize the eggs externally, leading to hatching approximately 20 hours later. Within 48 hours of hatching, the larvae migrate to shallow water environments. Following the completion of the spawning process, adult mutton snappers move to deeper, offshore waters, adopting a sedentary lifestyle. The lifespan of a mutton snapper can extend up to forty years.
The mutton snapper holds great significance for recreational, commercial, and artisanal fisheries. Its flesh is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and gourmet appeal. Market demand for mutton snapper, especially the meat from the cheek and throat of larger specimens, contributes to its commercial value.
To catch mutton snapper, various fishing methods are employed, including hook and line, seines, gill nets, bottom longlines, traps, and spearfishing. In Florida, recreational fisheries show substantial interest in this species, with Cape Canaveral serving as a popular landing site.
However, the mutton snapper faces conservation challenges due to predictable spawning aggregations and targeted fishing of juvenile individuals. Stock assessments indicate a decline of over 60% in commercial landings in some regions, although the stock is not currently considered overfished. Reductions in fishing effort have been observed. Cuba has experienced a decrease in the size of known spawning aggregations.
In Brazil and Colombia, heavy exploitation has led to concerns of overfishing. Over the past 30 to 60 years, it is estimated that the mutton snapper stock's biomass has declined by at least 20%. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the mutton snapper as "Near Threatened." The IUCN recommends implementing precautionary management measures, including the collection of fisheries data to enhance population understanding and the protection of vital spawning aggregations.