Priacanthus blochii Bleeker, 1853
Paeony bulleye
Priacanthus blochii
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Priacanthidae (Bigeyes or catalufas)
Max. size:  36.1 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 403.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Gulf of Aden to Samoa, north to the Philippines and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Often confused with the wide-ranging Priacanthus hamrur. Reports from Taiwan are misidentifications of Priacanthus sagittarius (in Lee, 1980) and Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (in Shen, 1984).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-16. Variable from plain reddish-brown to a silvery, with red blotches or bands. Can change quickly with mood (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by the following: soft portion of dorsal fin about equal to spinous portion or slightly taller, rounded posteriorly; rounded to truncate caudal fin; poorly developed preopercular spine and inconspicuous in adult (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in lagoon and seaward reefs, under ledges or in caves by day (Ref. 9710); often silty habitat (Ref. 48635). Solitary or in small groups (Ref 90102). Rarely trawled (Ref. 30573).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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