Humpnose big-eye bream (Monotaxis grandoculis) is a saltwater species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–100 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Monotaxis grandoculis · Water: Saltwater · Season: All year
Size: up to 60 cm
The humpnose big-eye bream works sand and rubble beside coral reefs. Lone fish are often encountered, but the largest adults gather in aggregations of up to about 50. It feeds at night, mainly on gastropods, brittle stars and sea urchins, and also on hermit and other crabs, polychaetes, tunicates and sea cucumbers. Commonly about 40 cm and up to 60 cm, maturing at about 30 cm. It is taken by gill net, trap, spear and handline, and marketed fresh. A high-priced fish, available all year. It is ciguatoxic in the Marshall Islands.
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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