Heteropriacanthus cruentatus
Ecological Descriptors |
Habitat |
Size (cm) |
Diet |
Behaviour |
Sex |
Co, R |
to 50 |
Car (Cru, Wor, Pisc, Pla) Noct |
I / Sh |
F |
Glass Bigeye
Synonyms:
Description:
Body relatively deep and compressed, depth 34-40% SL. Eyes very large; mouth large and oblique, the lower jaw strongly projecting beyond the maxilla. Colour varies from red to silvery pink, with silver bars on back (may be faint). Small dusky spots usually on membranes of soft portions of dorsal and anal fins, and dash-like spots often on tail. Eye often appears white, leading to its vernacular name. Known to produce sound. Compared to the similar Bigeye, it does not have an obvious large pelvic (ventral) fin hanging below.
Ecology
A reef and rock rubble-associated species, common in lagoon and seaward reefs. It is a secretive species that hides in holes, crevices, and ledges during the day. It is usually found between 3-35 m. It has also been found in waters less than 3 m. It is nocturnal and feeds mainly on pelagic shrimp, stomatopods, crabs, small fish, and polychaete worms. At dusk, it may gather in large numbers, but during the day it occurs singly or in small groups.
Life Cycle
Pelagic larvae.
Glasseye Snapper
Glasseye Snapper
6
5