Short Bigeye (Pristigenys alta)

Short bigeye (Pristigenys alta) are an amazingly colorful species of bigeye fish that are found in the subtropical and tropical waters of the Western Atlantic from North Carolina south throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Carribean Sea, and the West Indies. These fish typically live offshore amongst reefs and other rocky structures and have been found in depths of up to 656ft. They are nocturnal predators and their large eyes help them to hunt at night.  

Also called bigeye catalufa or toro snapper, and even bigeye squirrelfish by some hobbyists. Short bigeye are a rarely available and highly sought after aquarium fish due to their stunning color and impressive, but not unmanageable size. While generally considered a hardy fish, juveniles can be a bit shy when introduced to a new aquarium. Choose tankmates that will allow them to adjust without being bullied. Additionally, make sure they aren’t being kept with anything that can fit in their mouth, because they will eat it. Short bigeye are considered the most suitable species of bigeye for aquarium and in my opinion are a must have for enthusiasts of predatory fish!

Origin: Currently available fish are field-collected. 

Care Level: Intermediate-advanced. 

Salinity (SG): 1.022-1.026

Diet: Carnivorous. Various shrimps, worms, and small fish are all accepted. Sometimes they can prefer live prey at first although they are typically very easy to train onto frozen/thawed foods and even pellets. All that we sell will have taken multiple meals of frozen/thawed foods and/or pellets before shipping out. 

Adult Size: Up to 12”. 

pH: 8.0-8.5

Water Temp: 68-76F.

Other Care Preferences: Handle delicately and avoid using coarse nets, or nets at all if possible, to avoid damaging their fins or eyes. 

NEVER release your fish into the wild or stock public waterways without permission from a government agency!

*We are a licensed dealer and propagator of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish in the state of Pennsylvania. All of our native and game fish (including bullfrogs, northern green frogs, and their tadpoles) come from licensed dealers and propagators with proof of receipt (available upon request to government agencies only). We WILL NOT under ANY circumstance sell any herptiles or fish collected from the commonwealth of PA, so please do not ask!*

Live short bigeye fish (Pristigenys alta) for sale at MJS Reptiles. Live tropical and North American fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates for sale online and shipped right to your front door!