Priacanthus meeki
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Priacanthidae
Genus: Priacanthus
Species:
P. meeki
Binomial name
Priacanthus meeki
Synonyms[2]

Priacanthus helvolus Jordan, Evermann & Tanaka, 1927

Priacanthus meeki is a species of marine ray finned fish, a bigeye in the family Priacanthidae. It is a red fish found in the Hawaiian and Midway Islands. It grows to a size of 33 cm in length.[2] Common names are Hawaiian bigeye in English and ula lau au in the Hawaiian language.[2] It, and other species of its family, may also be called āweoweo in Hawaii.

Its specific name honours the American ichthyologist Seth Eugene Meek (1859-1914).[3]

Description[4]

The Hawaiian Bigeye is a red ray finned fish that gets its name from its noticeable feature, Its big eyes. The body outline is slightly elongated, the forehead and trailing edge of the tail is slightly concave, and the soft fin rays lack spots. Fishermen would often use flashlights to spot them due to the Hawaiian Bigeye having very reflective eyes making them easy to find at night.[5]

Distribution & Habitat

Priacanthus meeki can be found in the Eastern Pacific: Hawaiian and Midway Islands; a single juvenile specimen recorded from the Galapagos Islands. Strays can reach Johnston Atoll (Ref. 9710). There were also reports from Japan but are probably misidentifications of Priacanthus hamrur.[6] ‘Āweoweo are often found in caves and under ledges during the day at around 3 to 230 m in depth. The sand lances occur over sandy habitats.[7]

Human use & cultural significance

The cultural significance of the Hawaiian Bigeye is that the Hawaiian name āweoweo has more than one meaning. In Hawaiian culture dualism is an important aspect. An example of one such dualism can be found in comparing the plant and fish who share the common name ʻāweoweo. The meaning of this name can be deciphered by breaking apart the words that comprise the name. ʻĀ refers to a burning fire, weo refers to red or redness and the plant is said to have a fishy smell which is also another thing that it has in common with the Hawaiian Bigeye .[8] The āweoweo is mostly fished recreationally by many. The method to catch some āweoweo is to wait till sunset due to them being mostly active at night, then use a hook and line with squid, shrimp, and glowing grubs as the bait.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Carpenter, K.E.; Lawrence, A.; Myers, R. (2016). "Priacanthus meeki". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T69545542A69545849. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T69545542A69545849.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2019). "Priacanthus meeki" in FishBase. December 2019 version.
  3. ↑ Jenkins, O. P. (1903). "Report on collections of fishes made in the Hawaiian Islands, with descriptions of new species". Bulletin of the U. S. Fish Commission. 22: 417–511.
  4. ↑ "Hawaiian Bigeye, Priacanthus meeki". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2023-03-05.
  5. ↑ "Bigeyes (Priacanthidae)". www.to-hawaii.com. Retrieved 2023-03-05.
  6. ↑ "Priacanthus meeki, Hawaiian bigeye : fisheries, aquarium". www.fishbase.se. Retrieved 2023-03-05.
  7. ↑ Howe, JC (October 1, 2015). "Marine Fishes" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 21, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument". www.papahanaumokuakea.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-05.
  9. ↑ "Fish". allaboutfish. Retrieved 2023-03-14.


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