Glassy Sweeper

Descrizione

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, commonly known as the Glassy Sweeper or Bigeye, is a nocturnal, predatory fish belonging to the family Priacanthidae. It is characterized by its large eyes, typically reddish coloration, and compressed body. These fish are often found in caves, under ledges, or in crevices during the day, emerging at night to feed on smaller fishes and crustaceans. They are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters globally.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Typically reddish to silvery-red, often with irregular darker blotches or spots. Fins are usually reddish. Can exhibit rapid color changes depending on mood or environment, from pale pink to deep red. Juveniles may have iridescent spots.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

superior

Caratteristiche distintive

Very large, prominent eyes, often appearing glassy or reflective, adapted for nocturnal vision., Deep, compressed body., Large, oblique mouth with a projecting lower jaw., Rough, ctenoid scales., Pelvic fins are large and often blackish, especially in adults.

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 12-14 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin is emarginate to slightly lunate.

Pinna pettorale

Pectoral fins are relatively small.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are large, inserted anterior to the pectoral fins, and often have a dark, almost black, coloration, particularly in larger individuals. Anal fin has 3 spines and 13-15 soft rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Habitat

Tipo di acqua

saltwater

Profondità

Typically found from shallow reef crests down to about 200 meters (650 feet), most commonly in depths of 5-50 meters.

Ambiente

Coral reefs, rocky reefs, caves, crevices, and under ledges. Prefers areas with plenty of hiding spots during the day. Juveniles may be found in shallower, more protected areas.

Areale geografico

Circumtropical and subtropical. Found in the Atlantic Ocean (from Florida and Bermuda south to Brazil, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, and eastern Atlantic from Mauritania to Angola), Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean (from Japan south to Australia and across to the Americas).

Informazioni sull'acquario

• Livello di cura: intermediate
• Temperamento: semi-aggressive
• Dieta: carnivore
• Dimensione minima della vasca: 180 gallons
• Temperatura: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
• Durezza: 8-12 dKH
• Compatibilità: Can be kept with other large, semi-aggressive fish. Avoid keeping with very small fish or invertebrates that could be prey. May be aggressive towards conspecifics in smaller tanks.
• Requisiti speciali: Requires ample hiding places (caves, overhangs) for daytime retreat. Needs a well-established tank with excellent filtration. Provide a varied diet of meaty foods. Nocturnal feeding is preferred.

Informazioni in natura

• Stato di conservazione: least concern
• Stagionalità: No specific seasonal patterns for availability; caught year-round in its range.
• Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate, primarily for local consumption or as bycatch.
• Importanza commerciale: low
• Sapore: Mild, slightly sweet
• Consistenza: Flaky, white meat
• Metodi di cottura: fried, baked, grilled, steamed
• Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatti chiave

Specie simili

Classificazione scientifica

Regno

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordine

Perciformes

Famiglia

Priacanthidae

Genere

Heteropriacanthus

Specie

cruentatus

Esplora Glassy Sweeper