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Deepsea bigeye (Priacanthus fitchi) — Priacanthidae

Deepsea bigeye

Priacanthus fitchi
Family: Priacanthidae

The Deepsea bigeye (Priacanthus fitchi) is a saltwater fish of the family Priacanthidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
150.0–400.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Viet Nam

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Description

The Deepsea bigeye is a bigeye (Priacanthidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a deep, reddish body with very large eyes and a rough skin. It lives in deeper coastal waters along the continental margin. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day in crevices and caves of coral and rocky reefs; at night it forages for large zooplankton, shrimp and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepsea bigeye?

The Deepsea bigeye has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Deepsea bigeye live?

The Deepsea bigeye lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Viet Nam

How big does the Deepsea bigeye get?

The Deepsea bigeye grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Deepsea bigeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepsea bigeye is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Deepsea bigeye sourced
Scientific name
Priacanthus fitchi
Family
Priacanthidae
Other names
Whitefin bigeye verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
150.0 verified
Max depth (m)
400.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Priacanthus

More from the family Priacanthidae

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