Crescent-tail Bigeye

Priacanthus hamrur

Crescent-tail Bigeye (Priacanthus hamrur) is a nocturnal reef-associated fish with very large eyes and a deeply forked tail. It is widespread in the Indo-West Pacific and is usually taken by chance rather than targeted by anglers.

Saltwater

Crescent-tail Bigeye reference image — Diego Delso, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Very large eyes with a strongly nocturnal, big-headed look
Deeply forked tail with a crescent-shaped pale marking on the tail region
Bright red to pink body with a high-backed, laterally compressed shape

Habitat

Coral and rocky reefs, outer reef slopes, drop-offs, lagoons, and adjacent deep coastal waters; often shelters in caves and crevices by day and moves into open water at night.

Bait notes

Best taken on small cut bait, squid strips, shrimp, and fish chunks; small metal jigs and soft plastics can also work after dark when fish are feeding off the bottom.

Behavior

A nocturnal predator that feeds on small fishes and crustaceans after dark. By day it hides around reefs and structure, then rises into midwater to forage at dusk and night.

Caution

Spines and gill covers can be sharp, so handle carefully. Consumption safety depends on local reef-fish advisories; check for area-specific contamination warnings.

Fishing notes

Fish reef edges and drop-offs at night with light-to-medium tackle and a small bait or jig near structure. Keep presentations close to bottom or midwater; expect occasional bycatch rather than a primary target species.