Side by Side

Mangrove Snapper Lutjanus griseus

Typical: 12–18 in, 1–4 lb

Quickest tell: Gray (mangrove) snapper lacks the mutton's blue facial lines and high side spot and lacks the yellowtail's bright yellow lateral stripe and yellow tail; look for the dark eye-bar and a plain gray body with no markings.

• Gray to reddish-brown body, often a coppery sheen
• Dark band through the eye, more obvious when feeding/excited
• Two enlarged canine teeth in the upper jaw
• Reddish-orange tinge to the fins; no spot on the body
• Single continuous dorsal, slightly forked tail

Full Mangrove Snapper guide — season, gear and rules →

Mutton Snapper Lutjanus analis

Typical: 16–26 in, 4–12 lb

Quickest tell: The single black spot high on the side plus blue lines under the eye and a pointed anal fin separate mutton from gray snapper; unlike redfish the spot is mid-body (not on the tail base), and unlike red grouper it has a forked tail and canine teeth.

• Olive-to-reddish body, often brick-red on the lower sides
• Small black spot high on the side below the rear dorsal
• Blue iridescent lines/streaks below and behind the eye
• Pointed (V-shaped) anal fin; strong canine teeth
• Red eye; reddish tail margins

Full Mutton Snapper guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Mangrove Snapper and Mutton Snapper Overlap

Both run in South Florida & the Keys — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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