BIGEYES - Priacanthidae
General:
Usually bright red in color. Epibenthic and generally associated with rock formations or coral reefs. Typically less than 30 cm TL, but largest species attains more than 50 cm maximum length. Used as foodfish.
Usually carnivorous and nocturnal.
Eggs, larvae and early juvenile stages are pelagic.
Eyes very big, with a brilliant reflective layer (tapetum lucidum). Mouth big and superior (strongly oblique). Dorsal fin spines usually 10; soft rays 10-15. Three spines in anal fin; soft rays 9-16. Caudal fin slightly emarginate to rounded. Sixteen principal rays in caudal fin (2 unbranched). Inner rays of pelvic fin attached to body by a membrane. Scales very rough with integral spines
Etymology
Greek, prioo = to bit + Greek, akantha = thorn