How to Identify Bridled monocle bream

To identify Bridled monocle bream (Scolopsis bilineata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is generally silvery-white to pale grey, often with a yellowish tinge dorsally. The most striking feature is a prominent white or yellow stripe running from the snout, through the eye, and along the upper flank to the caudal peduncle. Below this, a second, less distinct, white or yellow stripe runs from behind the pectoral fin to the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin is typically yellowish, and the caudal fin is often yellow with a white margin. Juveniles often exhibit a more pronounced yellow coloration and a black spot on the upper caudal fin lobe, which fades with age.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Two prominent longitudinal white/yellow stripes on the head and body., A black spot on the upper caudal fin lobe in juveniles, fading in adults., A suborbital spine, characteristic of the genus Scolopsis.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 9 soft rays. The spinous portion is continuous with the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, often yellow with a white margin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed, typically translucent.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Stripes

   Look for the two distinct white or yellow longitudinal stripes. The upper stripe runs from the snout through the eye, and the lower stripe is less distinct, starting behind the pectoral fin.

2. 2

   Juvenile Caudal Spot

   Juveniles have a prominent black spot on the upper lobe of the caudal fin, which is a key identifier for younger individuals.

3. 3

   Suborbital Spine

   Like all Scolopsis species, it possesses a suborbital spine below the eye, though this may require closer inspection.

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