Priacanthidae
by J.-C. Hureau
Small- to moderate-sized fishes with a relatively deep, compressed body. Eye very large. Mouth large, strongly oblique, the lower jaw projecting. Small conical teeth in a narrow band in jaws. Dorsal fin continuous, with 10 spines and 10-15 soft rays, without a notch or only slightly notched between spinous and soft portions; anal fin with 3 spines and 9-16 soft rays; pelvic fins large, with 1 spine and 5 rays, inserted anterior to pectoral fins, and broadly joined to the body by a membrane; caudal fin with 16 principal rays (14 branched) slightly emarginate or rounded. Scales small, ctenoid, completely covering the head, including maxillae.
Common in tropical waters of all the oceans on coral reefs and rocky bottoms. Bottom-dwelling carnivorous fishes, primarily nocturnal, but may feed during the day. Diet composed mainly of larger organisms of zooplankton (small fish, crustaceans, polychaetes).
Genera 4; in Clofnam area 1.