Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier, 1829
Atlantic bigeye
photo by Flescher, D.

Family:  Priacanthidae (Bigeyes or catalufas)
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,850.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 200 m
Distribution:  Tropical and tropically influenced areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Western Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951) to Bermuda and at least North Carolina, USA (Ref. 5403) southward to northern Argentina (Ref. 3800). Eastern Atlantic: Madeira to Namibia. Mediterranean (Ref. 50345). Reports from the Indo-Pacific are misidentifications.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-15
Biology:  Found on coral reefs and rocky bottoms (Ref. 3800). Forms small aggregations near the bottom (Ref. 10786). A nocturnal feeder (Ref. 5521), feeds mainly on small fishes, crustaceans and polychaetes (Ref. 3800). Most of its prey are larvae. Flesh considered excellent quality; marketed fresh (Ref. 5217).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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