How to Identify Lined Monocle Bream

To identify Lined Monocle Bream (Scolopsis lineata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is silvery-white to pale grey, adorned with two prominent dark brown to black longitudinal stripes running from the snout to the caudal fin base. The upper stripe passes through the eye, and the lower stripe runs along the mid-flank. A third, less distinct stripe may be present dorsally. Fins are typically translucent to yellowish, sometimes with dusky margins.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Two prominent dark longitudinal stripes on a pale body., A small, downward-pointing spine below the eye (suborbital spine)., Forked caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 9 soft rays.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, originating below or slightly behind the pectoral fin base.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Stripes

   Look for the two distinct dark longitudinal stripes on a pale body. The upper stripe goes through the eye.

2. 2

   Suborbital Spine

   Observe the small, sharp spine located below the eye, characteristic of the genus Scolopsis.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   Note the moderately forked caudal fin.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Typically found over sandy or rubble bottoms near coral reefs.

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