Mutton snapper
📖 Overview
Adults occur in continental shelf areas as well as clear waters around islands . Large adults usually among rocks and coral while juveniles occur over sandy, vegetated (usually Thalassia) bottoms . They form small aggregations which disband during the night . Feed both day and night on fishes, shrimps, crabs, cephalopods, and gastropods . Flesh considered good quality . Marketed mainly fresh or frozen . Traded as an aquarium fish at Clara, Brazil .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Preopercular notch and knob weak. Pectoral fins are long, reaching level of anus. Scale rows on back rising obliquely above lateral line. Back and upper sides olive green, whitish with a red tinge on lower sides and belly. A black spot is on the upper back just above the lateral line and below the anterior dorsal fin rays. A pair of blue stripes runs on the snout-cheek region, the upper continuing behind eye to upper opercle edge.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mutton snapper is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 25 - 95 m , usually 40 - 70 m . Tropical; 20°C - 28°C; 42°N - 28°S, 98°W - 31°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lutianus analis | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion analis | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion isodon | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion rosaceus | Poey | 1870 | Synonym |
| Mesoprion sobra | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 52 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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