Fish Identification Photos: Mullet Snapper, Lutjanus aratus: The Mullet Snapper is distinguished by its elongated body (the most aerodynamic of the snappers), an overall red checkerboard appearance that with white spots in the center of each scale that generate alternating dark and light stripes on the sides, and a dark concave tail.

They have rounded anal and soft dorsal fins and the scales above the lateral line run parallel to the lateral line. They can be easily confused with Jordan’s Snapper, Lutjanus jordani (more silver in appearance with longitudinal stripes; they quickly turn dark brown to black upon collection).

The Mullet Snapper grows to over three feet in length, but is more common between 15 and 18 inches. It is found in the first 150 feet of the water column, suspended in midwater over rocky bottoms. It feeds on crabs, mollusks, octopuses, shrimp, and small fish. The Mullet Snapper is viewed as good table fare.

The Mullet Snapper is a member of the Lutjanidea or Snapper Family known in Mexico as "pargos." In Mexico, the Mullet Snapper is found on the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula southwards from Guerrero Negro and in the lower two-thirds of the Sea of Cortez. On mainland Mexico, it is found south to Guatemala, but it appears to be absent from the oceanic islands.

Mullet Snapper, Lutjanus aratus: Caught with Capt. Pata in the panga Salome, at La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 73-degree water, midmorning in February 2003, in 100 to 150-foot deep water, utilizing 30-pound test line, with a 40-pound two-dropper loop rig, with swivel, 6-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0, on a live sardina, 10 miles south of La Playita. Size approximately 16 inches and 2.5 pounds. Viewed by locals as excellent table fare. —Description and photo courtesy John Snow. Mullet Snapper, Lutjanus aratus: Photo courtesy Dr. Mark A. Steele. Mullet Snapper, Lutjanus aratus: Photo courtesy Jonathan Roldan. Fish I.D. courtesy Peter Langstraat.