Priacanthus arenatus

Distribution

Atlantic bigeye are widely distributed across both the Northern and Southern Atlantic Ocean. It is widely distributed throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the Atlantic. In the Western Atlantic, the Atlantic bigeye is distributed from the Northeastern United States to Northern Argentina. Juvenile fish in the Western Atlantic occasionally stray as far North as Nova Scotia in Canada due to the Gulf Stream, though these fish do not stay for long in the area as the Atlantic bigeye cannot survive cold water temperatures. In the Eastern Atlantic, they are found from West Morocco to Northern Angola. A single individual was reported in the Mediterranean Sea off Sardinia, Italy, in 1979.

They are found at several levels of the water column, from 10 m to over 250 m, though they most commonly occur between 30 m and 50 m. Juveniles tend to be pelagic in the upper levels of the water column.

Habitat and biology

The Atlantic bigeye lives on rocky bottom ocean floors and coral reefs. It prefers the outer reef slopes in comparison to many smaller reef fish, and is also common around rocky outcrops on the continental shelf. It is primarily a nocturnal feeder. Its diet consists of small fish, bristle worms and crustaceans. Most of its prey is the larvae of other reef animals. Atlantic bigeye specimens are hard to collect and observe for science, as they are primarily nocturnal, and skittish.

Uses

Atlantic bigeye are a minor commercial species, often caught as bycatch. Low numbers are taken by trawling, spearing, and hook-and-line. The flesh is marketed fresh, and is considered to be of excellent quality. Atlantic bigeye is also occasionally targeted by recreational anglers who fish at night, though many consider it a nuisance fish as they are very common bycatch while fishing for much larger porgy, grouper or snapper. It also reportedly has a foul odor when caught, reminiscent of rotting garbage.