Monotaxis grandoculis (Forsskål in Niebuhr 1775) —Bigeye emperor

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from Carteret Harbour, Lambom, New Ireland by Peters (1877: 834). Specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and by Barry C. Russell during 7–28 June 2014; others photographed at St. KVG18 (south side of Bauddisson Island, Kavieng District) by Serge Andréfouët on 18 Aug. 2014; a video of a specimen taken off Nubilus Island, off southeastern New Hanover, at 3–32 m depth, St. KR 88, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2, 3.—General distribution: Red Sea, East Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Hawaiian and Line islands and Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to Exmouth Gulf (Western Australia) and Queensland (Australia), New Caledonia, Tonga, Austral and Gambier islands. Found on sand and rubble areas near coral and rocky reefs, 1–60 m depth. Marine.