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Is Bigeyes kosher?

Yes — Bigeyes is kosher under Jewish dietary law.

Bigeyes has fins and scales, which are the two requirements for kosher fish under Jewish dietary law (Leviticus 11:9-12).

Bigeyes (Priacanthidae family)

Image: Photo by Sahat Ratmuangkhwang (Andaman Coastal Research Station for Development, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University) · licensed CC BY 3.0 · source

Scientific name
Priacanthidae family
Also known as
Bigeye, Aweoweo, Big Eye, Glasseye
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical waters, deep reefs
Kosher status
Kosher

About Bigeyes

Family Priacanthidae. Including: Bigeyes or aweoweos (Priacanthus species) Priacanthus tayenus, commonly known as purple-spotted bigeye, is a species of marine ray finned fish, a bigeye in the family Priacanthidae. It is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. References Purplespotted Bigeye, Priacanthus tayenus Richardson 1846 @ fishesofaustralia.net.au The Priacanthidae, the bigeyes, are a family of 18 species of marine ray-finned fishes. "Catalufa" is an alternate common name for some members of the Priacanthidae. The etymology of the scientific name (prioo-, to bite + akantha, thorn) refers to the family's very rough, spined scales. The common name of "bigeye" refers to the member species' unusually large eyes, suited to their carnivorous and nocturnal lifestyles. Priacanthidae are typically colored bright red, but some have patterns in silver, dusky brown, or black. Most species reach a maximum total length of about 30 cm (12 in), although in a few species lengths of over 50 cm (20 in) are known. Most members of this family are native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but four species (Cookeolus japonicus, Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, Priacanthus arenatus, and Pristigenys alta) are found in the Atlantic. They tend to live near rock outcroppings or reefs, although a few are known to inhabit open waters. Many species are found in relatively deep waters, below depths reachable by normal scuba diving. Some species are fished for food. The earliest identified Priacanthidae fossils date to the...

Source: kosherfish.co/kosher-fish-list (snapshot 2025-12-19); legacy csv; Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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