Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye snapper (Pristipomoides macrophthalmus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lutjanidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The bigeye snapper is a deep-water snapper (Lutjanidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 50 cm and has a slender, pink to silvery body with conspicuously large eyes, an adaptation to the dim deep water. Adults usually live in the deeper parts of the continental shelf near the edge of the slope, at about 110 to 550 m deep. They feed on small fishes and larger planktonic animals. The species is marketed fresh, but owing to its great depth it is caught less often than shallower snappers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye snapper?
The Bigeye snapper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly large eyes adapted to the dim deep water along the continental slope.
Where does the Bigeye snapper live?
The Bigeye snapper lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Atlantic, in deep water along the continental slope.
How big does the Bigeye snapper get?
The Bigeye snapper grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Bigeye snapper dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye snapper is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigeye snapper edible?
The Bigeye snapper is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Pristipomoides
More from the family Lutjanidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye snapper?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye snapper is one of 12,519 species in the app.