Parapriacanthus
Parapriacanthus is a genus of fish in the family Priacanthidae, commonly known as bigeyes. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. These fish are characterized by their large eyes, which give them their common name, and their vibrant red or orange coloration.
Characteristics
Parapriacanthus species are relatively small, with most reaching a maximum length of around 15-20 cm. They have a deep, laterally compressed body with a prominent hump behind the head. Their large eyes are located high on the head and are adapted for low light conditions. The fish have a single dorsal fin with 10-11 spines and 10-12 soft rays, and a single anal fin with 3 spines and 10-11 soft rays. They also have a forked tail fin and a distinctive black spot on the gill cover.
Environments
Parapriacanthus species are primarily found in tropical and subtropical waters, inhabiting coral reefs, rocky reefs, and lagoons. They prefer areas with good cover and low light conditions. They are often found in schools, especially at night when they are more active.
Species
The genus Parapriacanthus currently includes the following species:
- Parapriacanthus ransonneti (Steindachner, 1867) - Red bigeye
- Parapriacanthus tayenus (Richardson, 1846) - Bigeye
- Parapriacanthus guentheri (Klunzinger, 1871)
References
For further information on Parapriacanthus, please refer to the following resources: