English: Bigeyes; Catalufa.
Name: prioo-, to bite + akantha, thorn.
Genera: 4; 18 species; 1 family, Priacanthidae.
Region: Indian and Pacific Oceans; some Atlantic.
Habitat: marine; tropical and subtropical; near rock outcroppings or reefs, some inhabit open waters; relatively deep waters, below 20 m.
ZoologyRay-finned fishes; very rough, spined scales; unusually large eyes, suited to their carnivorous and nocturnal lifestyles.
Color: bright red, some silver, dusky brown, or black.
Size: 30 to 50 cm.
Use: fished for food.