Side by Side

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 →

Red Grouper Epinephelus morio

Typical: 18–28 in, 4–12 lb

Quickest tell: Red grouper has an even, non-notched soft dorsal and a squared tail with black freckles around the eyes; its big-mouthed grouper body and lack of prominent canine teeth separate it from the deeper-bodied, canine-toothed, forked-tail mutton snapper.

• Brownish-red body with pale blotches/mottling
• Scattered small black dots around the eyes
• Second-dorsal margin straight and even (no deep notch between spines)
• Squared-off (truncate) tail; large fan-like pectorals
• Large bucket mouth; white-edged anal and tail fins

Full Red Grouper guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Mutton Snapper and Red Grouper Overlap

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

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