Fin's Fish Guide
The Japanese bigeye (Pristigenys niphonia) is a saltwater fish of the family Priacanthidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The Japanese bigeye is a bigeye (Priacanthidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, red body with very large eyes, adapted to life in dim water and nocturnal activity. It occurs near rocky habitats, known from about 80 to more than 100 m depth, while juveniles probably occur in shallower water. At night it hunts small fishes, crustaceans and other zooplankton. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Japanese bigeye?
The Japanese bigeye has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Red body with very large eyes; nocturnal predator of rocky deep-water habitats.
Where does the Japanese bigeye live?
The Japanese bigeye lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; rocky habitats in deeper water.
How big does the Japanese bigeye get?
The Japanese bigeye grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Japanese bigeye dangerous to humans?
No, the Japanese bigeye is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Japanese bigeye edible?
The Japanese bigeye is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pristigenys
More from the family Priacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Japanese bigeye?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Japanese bigeye is one of 12,519 species in the app.