The glasseye snapper is distinguished by its flattened body, coloration ranging from silvery pink to bright red, large, prominent red eyes adapted to its nocturnal lifestyle, and generally reddish fins that may also be yellowish or orange.. Its body sometimes features darker spots or bands, while the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins may display small dark elliptical spots.

The glasseye snapper is a relatively small fish, generally measuring around 8 inches in length, although the largest individuals can reach 20 inches in total length.

The glasseye snapper inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to the coast of South America, including the many Caribbean islands, such as Guadeloupe. In Florida, it is found along the coast, including throughout the Florida Keys, particularly around Key Largo.

For a long time, Indo-Pacific populations were grouped with this species, but recent taxonomic studies have recognized Heteropriacanthus carolinus as a distinct species occurring in the Indo-Pacific.

The glasseye snapper is found primarily on coral and rocky reefs, particularly around islands, in lagoons as well as on reef areas exposed to the open sea. It generally occurs in relatively shallow waters, down to about 115 feet, and sometimes even deeper.

During the day, it generally remains hidden beneath overhangs, near ledges, or in reef crevices before emerging from its shelter to hunt at dusk.

The glasseye snapper is generally a solitary fish during the day, but as dusk approaches, several individuals may gather in large numbers before setting out to hunt.

The glasseye snapper feeds primarily at night on small fish, small cephalopods such as octopuses, and various crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Its oversized eyes, characteristic of the species, are particularly well adapted to its nocturnal lifestyle and allow it to locate prey in low light, which it then pursues with agility.

At dusk, the glasseye snapper leaves the shelter it occupies during the day and sets out in search of prey around the reef and in the water column.

The glasseye snapper can change color rapidly, shifting from a relatively uniform red coloration to a mottled pattern of silvery or dark spots. These striking changes can dramatically alter its appearance.

The glasseye snapper is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The glasseye snapper appears in the IUCN Red List since 2015 within the category Least Concern !