BigeyeorShort Bigeye
Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.
How to tell them apart
Bigeye
Red to silvery-pink fish with an enormous eye and a forked tail; deep reef edges at night.
Bigeye, next to short bigeye: more elongate, softer scales.
Short Bigeye
Deep, bright red bigeye with rough scales and a rounded tail; deep reefs.
Short bigeye, next to bigeye: deeper, rounder tail.
Side by side
| Bigeye | Short Bigeye | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Priacanthus arenatus | Pristigenys alta |
| Also called | Bigeye | Short bigeye |
| Waters | Offshore | Offshore |
| Heaviest state record | — | — |
| On the table | Good — Hawaii's 'aweoweo' relative. | Edible. |
| Rules of its own in | 0 states | 0 states |
Rules for
Every state, both fish
| State | Bigeye: size · bag · season | Short Bigeye: size · bag · season |
|---|
In the app
Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, bigeye or short bigeye, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask
How do you tell bigeye from short bigeye?
Bigeye: Red to silvery-pink fish with an enormous eye and a forked tail; deep reef edges at night. Short Bigeye: Deep, bright red bigeye with rough scales and a rounded tail; deep reefs. Short bigeye, next to bigeye: deeper, rounder tail. Bigeye, next to short bigeye: more elongate, softer scales.
Which is better to eat, bigeye or short bigeye?
Bigeye: Good — Hawaii's 'aweoweo' relative. Short Bigeye: Edible.