Fin's Fish Guide
The Big-eye perch (Priacanthus tayenus) is a saltwater fish of the family Priacanthidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and India to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, in coral and rocky areas.
Description
The purple-spotted bigeye is a nocturnal reef fish of the bigeye family (Priacanthidae) of Indo-West Pacific waters. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, mostly red body with very large eyes and purple spots on the fins. By day it shelters in coral and rocky areas, sometimes in loose groups; by night it hunts a wide variety of bottom animals. Smaller individuals live closer inshore. The species is harmless to humans and is of commercial value, sold mainly fresh or dried-salted.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Big-eye perch?
The Big-eye perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Very large eyes adapted to hunting at night; red body with purple blotches on the fins.
Where does the Big-eye perch live?
The Big-eye perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and India to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, in coral and rocky areas.
How big does the Big-eye perch get?
The Big-eye perch grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Big-eye perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Big-eye perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Big-eye perch edible?
The Big-eye perch is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Priacanthus
More from the family Priacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Big-eye perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Big-eye perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.