Pearly Monocle Bream

Scolopsis margaritifera is a fish native to the western Pacific Ocean.

Description

It can be recognised by its colouration. Adults are grey-green above and pale below. The body scales have pearly white vertical marks. Those on the side of the body have yellow spots that form longitudinal lines. Lower lobe of caudal fin reddish. There is bluish line on the snout in front of the eyes. Juveniles are pale with a darker region above, and a black stripe along the side of the body. The lower half of the body is sometimes yellow.

Distribution

Western Pacific: South China Sea to Vanuatu and northwestern Australia.

Habitat

The species usually occurs over sandy seabeds in coral and inshore reef areas.