Pristigenys niphonia (Cuvier, 1829)
Japanese bigeye
Pristigenys niphonia
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Priacanthidae (Bigeyes or catalufas)
Max. size:  27.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 250 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Japan, East China Sea Shelf, Taiwan, South China Sea, Vietnam, Celebes, Australia, and Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10; Vertebrae: 23-23. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D X,11; A III,10; total gill rakers on first arch 27-31, mode 27 (upper limb 7-10, lower 19-22); lateral-line scales 31-39, mode 35; body scales above pectoral fin with about 11-60 spinules on posterior margin, the number increasing with growth; generally rounded caudal fin in young, becoming somewhat double emarginate in adults (noticeable in specimens over 15.0 cm SL); absence of black margins on posterior soft portions of vertical fins; 5 white or pale vertical bands (often indistinct) on body about 1/2-3/5 width of pupil expanded ventrally and dorsally with latter angled posterodorsally, very notable in young, less obvious in adults (Ref. 94109).
Biology:  Associated with rocky habitats and known from 80 to more than 100 m depth but probably also occurring in shallower water, especially as juveniles (Ref.5403). From dive observations, juveniles and young individuals likely occur at 5-30 m depths (Ref. 94109). Eggs are pelagic (0.75 mm), small and spherical.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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