Family Priacanthidae

Bigeyes

Bigeyes may be distinguished from Soldierfishes by their tiny scales and unforked caudal fin.  The dorsal fin is also continuous.  Bigeyes are also much slower in habit and tend to stare at divers and stay put.  They are nocturnal animals that feed upon zooplankton.

 

TROPICAL SEAS WORLDWIDE

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus

Day coloration, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, 30 feet

 

Night coloration, Cargo Pier, Midway Atoll, 20 feet
Common name GLASSEYE 
Hawaiian 'Aweoweo
Japanese Gomahire-kintoki-dai
Mexican Catalufa de roca
Habitat Coral reefs and rocky substrates; in holes during the day
Depth 15 to 300 feet
Diet Cephalopods, crustaceans, small fish, and polychaetes
Size 10 to 17 inches
Abundance Fairly common
Distribution Worldwide in warm seas
Notes Night coloration is mottled; caudal fin margin is convex; soft fin rays spotted 

HAWAII

Priacanthus meeki      

Juvenile Hawaiian Bigeyes, Cargo Pier, Midway, 20 feet, 90mm

Juveniles, Cargo Pier, Midway Atoll, 20 feet

 

Day coloration, Fish Hole, Midway Atoll, 40 feet

Night coloration, Fish Hole, Midway Atoll, 40 feet

 
Common name HAWAIIAN BIGEYE
Hawaiian name 'Aweoweo
Habitat Reefs and ledges, hides in holes during the day
Depth 10 to 165 feet
Diet Large zooplankton
Size 13 inches
Abundance Uncommon alone or in small groups; abundant some years 
Distribution Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands
Notes Large settlement of juveniles in summer of 2003; fins not spotted, caudal fin margin slightly concave

INDO-PACIFIC

Priacanthus hamrur

Wakatobi, Indonesia
Common name CRESCENT-TAIL BIGEYE
Japanese name Kintokidai
Habitat Reef pinnacles and dropoffs 
Depth 20 to 800 feet
Diet Large zooplankton
Size 16 inches
Abundance Uncommon
Distribution Indo-Pacific, except Hawaii
Notes Often forms aggregations as it rests during the day

 

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