DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

PRIACANTHIDAE (BIGEYES)

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (Lacepède)
(Bigeye, Glasseye; Mamagas)
SL: to 23 cm (photo: 16 cm SL, Oahu, Hawaii, 15 m)

The Bigeye is a relatively common inhabitant of lagoon and seaward reefs from depths of 1 to at least 20 m.  During the day it remains in holes and crevices; at nightfall it emerges to feed on planktonic crustaceans, small cephalopods, and small fishes.  It occurs singly or in small groups and in some areas forms schools that migrate offshore to feed.  Another Bigeye, P. hamrur, occurs on outer reef slopes at depths of 30 m or more.  Bigeyes make excellent eating.

CIRCUMTROPICAL: N. to the Ryukyus and Hawaii, s. to Lord Howe and Easter Is.