Species learning profile
Mutton snapper
Lutjanus analis
Mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Atlantic. A small black shoulder spot sits above a blue line on the cheek.
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At a glance
- Water
- Salt water
- Habitat
- Reef
- Maximum length
- 94 cm
- Range
- Atlantic
- Family
- Lutjanidae
- Order
- Perciformes
Observe
How to identify Mutton snapper
- A small black shoulder spot sits above a blue line on the cheek.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Atlantic.
- Reported maximum length: 94 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Atlantic. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Moves between seagrass, mangroves, and reefs
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Fish, crabs, and shrimp.
Ecological role
Connects several coastal habitats through feeding migrations.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
A small black shoulder spot sits above a blue line on the cheek.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Mutton snapper in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections