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Hawaiian bigeye (Priacanthus meeki) — Priacanthidae

Hawaiian bigeye

Priacanthus meeki
Family: Priacanthidae

The Hawaiian bigeye (Priacanthus meeki) is a saltwater fish of the family Priacanthidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
33 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3.0–230.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Galapagos Is., Hawaii
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The Hawaiian bigeye is a bigeye (Priacanthidae) from the Indo-Pacific, common around Hawaii. The species grows to about 33 cm and has a deep, red body with very large eyes, adapted to nocturnal life. By day it shelters around coral and rocky reefs; at night it hunts small fish, crustaceans and zooplankton in open water. It can quickly change from bright red to pale or blotched. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hawaiian bigeye?

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

Where does the Hawaiian bigeye live?

The Hawaiian bigeye lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Galapagos Is., Hawaii

How big does the Hawaiian bigeye get?

The Hawaiian bigeye grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Hawaiian bigeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Hawaiian 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.

Is the Hawaiian bigeye edible?

The Hawaiian bigeye is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Hawaiian bigeye sourced
Scientific name
Priacanthus meeki
Family
Priacanthidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
230.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Galapagos Is., Hawaii 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

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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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