Species · GBIF taxon 2384981
Mutton Snapper
Lutjanus analisAlso known as Muttonfish, Virgin Snapper, Pargo Cebra
Mutton snappers patrol tropical reefs and seagrass beds, easily recognized by their olive-green upper body, reddish lower flanks, and a prominent black spot on each side above the lateral line. Solitary diurnal hunters, they use powerful jaws to crush crabs, urchins, and small fish along sandy ocean bottoms. During full moon phases in late spring and summer, thousands gather at predictable reef drop-offs to spawn.
Coral ReefMarinePredatory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crabs
- Shrimp
- Small Fish
Predators
- Sharks
- Goliath Grouper
- Great Barracuda
ThreatsOverfishing of spawning aggregations, coral reef degradation
HabitatsCoral reefs, seagrass beds, rocky ledges, sandy bottoms
Life spanUp to 40 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLutjanidae
- SpeciesLutjanus analis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp teeth and stiff dorsal spines can inflict painful cuts; handle with care.
- What to notice
- Look for olive-to-pink coloration, blue streaks beneath the eye, and a distinct black spot near the tail.
- Support conservation
- Maintain respectful distance while diving and adhere strictly to local fishery size limits.
Responsible observation
- Reef Watching: Approach slowly over open sand flats where adults search for buried crustaceans.
- Respect Aggregations: Avoid disturbing mass spawning schools at outer reef drop-offs.
Reef Neighbor (c) Pauline Walsh Jacobson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) LASZLO ILYES from Cleveland, Ohio, USA, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Tia Offner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tia Offner · cc-by
Close Relative
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