Mutton Snapper
| Life History Parameters | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum weight (kg) | 15.6 |
| Maximum age (year) | 40 |
| Age at length 0 (year) | -1.32 |
| Age at Maturity (months) | 48 |
| Maximum Length (cm) | 94 |
| Length at Maturity (cm) | 50 |
| Linf. Asymptotic Length (cm) | 86.1 |
| K - von Bertalanffy growth coefficient | 0.17 |
| Natural Mortality | 0.11 |
| - | - | - | - | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | - | - | - | - |
Habitat and Distribution
This species occurs in the western Atlantic from New England to SE Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Adults and juveniles are found on vegetated and sand bottoms, mangroves, and around the edges of reefs.
Spawning season in the Gulf of Mexico
This species is reported to spawn from May through July at Riley's Hump in the Florida Keys and May to August with a May to June peak in Cuba.
Spawning Patterns
Mutton Snapper form transient spawning aggregations of hundreds to tens of thousands of fish on reef promontories along the shelf edge that are highly predictable in time and space. Aggregations begin to form the week before the full moon, and spawning typically occurs 2 to 5 days after the full moon. Spawning occurs in small subgroups of 2 to 20 individuals in the late afternoon at depths of 10 to 30 m. Individuals migrate distances of 400 km or more to reach spawning sites. Mutton Snapper are broadcast spawners with external fertilization.
Fishing Patterns in Relation to Spawning
Commercial landings are consistent throughout the year, but average monthly landings during spawning months were greater than during non-spawning months in 2013 to 2015. Recreational landings peak during July and August, which are the last two months of the spawning season. Average montly landings are often greater during spawning months than non-spawning months.
Management of Spawning Aggregations
There are no commercial catch limits for Mutton Snapper in federal waters. Net and spearing gear are prohibited in federal waters for the commercial fishery. The recreational fishery in federal waters is subject to a daily catch limit of 10 that must fit within a total catch limit of 10 similar snapper. Florida is the only gulf state to set catch limits for the commercial fishery (10 per trip). Texas designates Mutton Snapper as a gamefish only, and Florida only permits hook and line gear i nthe commercial fishery. Recreational catch limits in state waters are the same as the federal limit, although Texas and Alabama have not set a limit. There are no commercial or recreational seasonal closures for the fishery. Madison Swanson, Steamboat Lumps and the Edges are closed year round. The minimum size is 16" TL for commercial and recreational.