Popeye Catalufa: All Eyes and Bright Red

Few reef fish are as instantly recognizable as the popeye catalufa: a deep, oval body of brilliant red topped with two enormous eyes. It's a shy, cave-loving night fish, so a good look is a real treat. Here's how to spot one snorkeling near Jacó, plus five fun facts.

Popeye Catalufa · Pristigenys serrula

How to spot the popeye catalufa near Jacó

Look into dark recesses and cave mouths on the rocky reef. The popeye catalufa hangs back in the shade during the day, where its bright red body and oversized eyes stand out against the dark. It tends to be solitary and a little shy, so move slowly and give it space.

5 fun facts about the popeye catalufa

• Headlight eyes. Those giant eyes are built to soak up the faintest light, so it can hunt small shrimp and fish after the sun goes down.
• A quick-change artist. Like many bigeyes, it can shift from solid bright red to a paler, blotchy pattern in seconds depending on mood and surroundings.
• The 'little saw'. Its species name, serrula, means 'little saw' — a nod to the rough, finely toothed edges on its scales and gill cover.
• A cave dweller by day. It spends daylight hours tucked into shaded holes and ledges, emerging into open water only after dark.
• Comes up shallower at night. Often found deeper during the day, it moves into shallower reef at night to feed, which is when divers see it most.

The popeye catalufa is just one of many characters down there. See the whole cast in our Snorkel Jaco fish directory, or read real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.