Home range characteristics and diel patterns in space use of mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Abstract Background The movement ecology of mutton snapper Lutjanus analis is poorly understood despite their ecological and economic importance in the Caribbean. Passive acoustic telemetry was used to determine home ranges six adult L. , including diel patterns, Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Understanding long-term space use, site fidelity habitat usage, necessary implement effective appropriate management actions for a species with extensive resource needs. Results Individual were tracked over an average period 316 days (range 125–509 days) showed high relatively small (mean ± SD: 0.103 0.028 km 2 range 0.019–0.190 ) core use areas low overlap among individuals. Most had composition dominated by seagrass lesser degree, coral reef and/or pavement. Nighttime activity spaces distinct from but contained within daytime areas. Conclusions Mutton strong Bay. Two individuals that absent array more than few hours detected at separate arrays spawning aggregation sites. This study expands upon knowledge characteristics, highlights maintaining adjacent high-quality types any spatial plan, encourages adoption other strategies, particularly transient-aggregating species.