Priacanthus
Priacanthus is a genus of fish belonging to the family Priacanthidae, commonly known as the bigeyes or bullseyes. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. They are notable for their large, prominent eyes, which give them their common names.
Characteristics
Priacanthus species are characterized by their deep, compressed bodies, which are typically red, orange, or yellow in color. They have large, round eyes that are positioned high on the head, allowing them to see in low-light conditions. They also possess a single dorsal fin, which has 10-12 spines and 10-14 soft rays. Their mouth is large, containing rows of sharp, pointed teeth.
Environments
Bigeyes are primarily nocturnal predators that inhabit coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seamounts. They typically prefer depths between 50 and 300 meters, where they can ambush prey. They are often found in caves and crevices during the day, emerging at night to hunt.
Common Names
Priacanthus species are commonly referred to as bigeyes or bullseyes due to their distinctive large eyes. Other common names include:
- Red bigeye
- Red bullseye
- Yellow bigeye
- Yellow bullseye
References
FishBase: Priacanthus
WoRMS: Priacanthus
Wikipedia: Priacanthidae