Side by Side

Mutton Snapper Lutjanus analis

Typical: 16–26 in, 4–12 lb

Key field mark: 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 Hind Epinephelus guttatus

Typical: 10–16 in, 1–3 lb

Quickest tell: Dense small red spots over a pale body, a rounded tail and dark-edged rear fins mark the red hind; mutton snapper is a forked-tailed snapper with canine teeth and a single black spot high on the side.

• Pale greenish-white to buff body densely covered in small red-brown spots
• Dark blotches along the back at the base of the dorsal fin
• Blackish margins on the rear dorsal, anal and tail fins
• Squat, heavy-bodied grouper shape with a large mouth
• Rounded (not forked) tail

Full Red Hind guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running September — current month highlighted

Where Mutton Snapper and Red Hind Overlap

Both run in Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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