Atlantic bigeye (Priacanthus arenatus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 10–200 m.
Scientific name: Priacanthus arenatus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 50 cm
The Atlantic bigeye is a priacanthid found on coral reefs and rocky bottoms, recorded from 10 to 200 m, and it forms small aggregations near the bottom. It is a nocturnal feeder, taking mainly small fishes, crustaceans and polychaetes, most of its prey being larvae; its flesh is considered of excellent quality and is marketed fresh. Its range is the tropical and tropically influenced Atlantic Ocean, from Canada, Bermuda and at least North Carolina southward to northern Argentina in the western Atlantic, and from Madeira to Namibia in the eastern Atlantic, and it also occurs in the Mediterranean Sea. Maximum length is about 50 cm total length, commonly about 35 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is low at 25 of 100 and resilience high. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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