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Slender bigeye (Priacanthus prolixus) — Priacanthidae

Slender bigeye

Priacanthus prolixus
Family: Priacanthidae

The Slender bigeye (Priacanthus prolixus) is a saltwater fish of the family Priacanthidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
35.0–250.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India, Pakistan, Somalia

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Description

The slender bigeye is a bigeye (Priacanthidae) from reef and coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, bright-red body with conspicuously large eyes and an upward-set mouth. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day in the shade of reef and caves and hunts small fish, crustaceans and zooplankton in open water at night. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender bigeye?

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

Where does the Slender bigeye live?

The Slender bigeye lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: India, Pakistan, Somalia

How big does the Slender bigeye get?

The Slender bigeye grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Slender bigeye dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender 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
Slender bigeye sourced
Scientific name
Priacanthus prolixus
Family
Priacanthidae
Other names
Elongate bulleye sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
35.0 verified
Max depth (m)
250.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: India, Pakistan, Somalia 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
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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