Bigeyes

Moontail bullseye (Priacanthus hamrur)

The Moontail bullseye (Priacanthus hamrur) belongs to the family Priacanthidae (bigeyes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 40 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Moontail bullseye (Priacanthus hamrur), a Red Sea fish of the bigeyes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePriacanthus hamrur
FamilyBigeyes (Priacanthidae)
Common name (IT)Pesce falco lunare
Common name (EN)Moontail bullseye
Maximum size40 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Moontail bullseye belong to?
The Moontail bullseye (Priacanthus hamrur) belongs to the family Priacanthidae (bigeyes).
Is the Moontail bullseye dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Moontail bullseye endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Moontail bullseye get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 40 cm.

Explore the Moontail bullseye in 3D in the interactive atlas →