Pristigenys alta
Pristigenys alta, common name short bigeye, is a species of fish in the family Priacanthidae.[1]
Pristigenys alta | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Perciformes |
Family: | Priacanthidae |
Genus: | Pristigenys |
Species: | P. alta |
Binomial name | |
Pristigenys alta (Gill, 1862) | |
Synonyms | |
Priacanthus altus Gill, 1862 |
Description
The most noticeable characteristic of Pristigenys alta is its very large eyes. This species is blunt, bright red, and ovate, with a flattened, disk-like body. It is commonly about 20 cm in length, but can grow to maximum length of 30 cm.[2] It has rough scales, and large ventral fins.
Distribution
This species is found in the Western Atlantic along the east coast of North America from North Carolina southwards, the Gulf of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea[3] and West Indies.[2]
Habitat
Pristigenys alta is a solitary marine fish that lives mainly in reef areas at depths of between 5 and 200 metres. It can also be found on rocky bottoms.[2]
References
- "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Pristigenys alta (Gill, 1862)". Marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
- "Pristigenys alta, Short bigeye : aquarium". Fishbase.us. 2012-07-03. Retrieved 2012-07-21.
- "Short big-eye". Gma.org. Retrieved 2012-07-21.