Description:

Dorsal spines: 10; Dorsal rays: 12-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 13-16.
Body moderately deep, somewhat oblong, and laterally compressed. Eyes very large. Mouth large and oblique, the lower jaw strongly projecting. Maxilla reaching approximately to below front margin of pupil. Short spine at corner of preopercle. Posterior portion of preopercle above and below spine scaled. Soft portions of dorsal and anal fins broadly rounded. Pelvic fins long reaching beyond origin of anal fin. Ctenoid scales make body rough to touch. 
Colour. Body and fins pinkish to scarlet. Iris red. Pelvic fin with a black spot basally. Can change colour quickly to silvery. 
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 35cm TL. 

Inhabits shallow waters over reef or rocky bottoms, lagoon and seaward reefs and under ledges or in caves during the day (depth 10-50m, usually 10-30m). Often in silty habitats. Solitary or in small groups. Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates. Nocturnal. 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap and hand line fishery, but is an uncommon component of the catch. 

Carpenter, K.E. et al 2016. Priacanthus blochii. The IUCN Red List 2016: e.T46087813A46664859. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T46087813A46664859.en. (18/08/19).

Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. 2019. FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Priacanthus-blochii.html (18/08/19).