---
title: Bigeyes (Priacanthidae)
scientific_name: Priacanthidae
common_name: Bigeyes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:47:58.754Z
tags: Bigeyes, Priacanthidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/bigeyes
---

# Bigeyes (*Priacanthidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Priacanthidae
- **Body shape:** Oval - Egg-shaped body, deeper than it is thick - damselfishes, surgeonfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 2

## How to recognise this group

- oval, deep, and compressed body
- conspicuously large eyes
- large, upward-angled mouth
- resting in caves or shaded ledges during the day

Bigeyes (Priacanthidae) are deep-bodied, laterally compressed fishes, distinguished by conspicuously large eyes and large, upward-angled mouths. They are also known as Catalufa. Their scales are notably rough and spined. Most species display a predominant red coloration, though some exhibit patterns in silver, dusky brown, or black. Members of this family typically reach up to 30 cm (12 in) in total length, with some species exceeding 50 cm (20 in).

These nocturnal predators feed on small crustaceans, fishes, and other invertebrates. During daylight hours, bigeyes typically rest in caves, under ledges, or within wrecks, emerging at night to forage. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas from shallow depths down to approximately 200 meters. Divers commonly encounter them resting in these shaded areas during the day.


## Species (2)

- [Crescend-tail Bigeye (Priacanthus hamrur)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/bigeyes/crescend-tail-bigeye)
- [Peony Bigeye (Priacanthus blochii)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/bigeyes/peony-bigeye)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/bigeyes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*