Spotted Bigeye, Priacanthus macracanthus Cuvier, 1829
Brownspot Bigeye, Bullseye Perch, Large-spined Big-eye, Red Bigeye, Red Bullseye, Spotted Big-eye, Spotted-fin Glasseye
Click to enlarge image
© John Sear
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Priacanthus
- Species
- macracanthus
- Family
- Priacanthidae
- Order
- Priacanthidae
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 36 cm
Introduction
As its standard name implies the body of the Spotted Bigeye is often covered with blotches. It occurs in warm marine waters of the east-Indo-west-Pacific region.
Identification
The species is silvery to bright red with yellowish spots on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. The body often has a blotchy pattern. Juveniles have a rounded caudal fin; that of adults has rounded corners.
Habitat
Juveniles live in shallow waters of 3 m to 20 m depth. Adults usually occur in deeper offshore waters in depths to at least 100 m. Adults are sometimes collected from trawlable substrates but also occur in rocky habitats.
Distribution
It occurs in tropical and warm temperate marine waters of the east-Indo-west-Pacific region. In Australia it is known from the central Western Australian coast, right around the north of the country and south to Victoria.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
