Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye (Priacanthus hamrur) is a saltwater fish of the family Priacanthidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The moontail bullseye is a reef fish of the family Priacanthidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, deep-red body with strikingly large eyes and a tail with dark-marked, crescent-shaped lobes, to which the name refers. It lives on outer reef slopes and deep lagoon pinnacles between 8 and 80 metres, sometimes in small groups or schools. By day it stays under ledges or near coral heads; at night it actively hunts small fishes, crustaceans and other zooplankton. The large eyes are adapted to this nocturnal hunting in dim water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye?
The Bigeye has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Deep red with very large eyes and moon-shaped tail tips; nocturnal reef hunter.
Where does the Bigeye live?
The Bigeye lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; outer reefs and deep lagoon pinnacles from 8 to 80 m.
How big does the Bigeye get?
The Bigeye grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Bigeye dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigeye edible?
The Bigeye is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bigeye and live in the same waters.
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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 Bigeye?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye is one of 12,519 species in the app.