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 →

Redfish Sciaenops ocellatus

Typical: 18–30 in, 3–10 lb; bulls run well over 40 in

Key field mark: The black spot(s) on the tail base plus the absence of chin barbels separate redfish from the barbeled, bar-sided black drum.

• Coppery-bronze to reddish back, white belly
• One or more black ocellated (eyespot) spots at base of tail
• No barbels under chin
• Square-ish, slightly notched tail
• Subterminal (underslung) mouth, no large canines

Full Redfish guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Mutton Snapper and Redfish Overlap

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

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