Common name: Brick soldierfish

General information

The Blueline Sea Bream, also known as the Blueline Snapper or Pinecone Soldierfish, is a striking fish species that adds both color and activity to a marine aquarium. Myripristis amaena is known for its deep red body with bright blue horizontal stripes, which become more pronounced and vivid at night. This nocturnal species is relatively peaceful and can grow to a size that requires a spacious tank to accommodate its swimming behavior.

Care

Blueline Sea Breams are hardy fish that adapt well to life in captivity. They require a large tank with plenty of open swimming space and hiding places among rocks or caves. These fish are not overly aggressive but may show territorial behavior towards their own kind or similar species. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and prepared frozen foods will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Myripristis amaena forms large aggregations during spawning events, which usually occur around the time of the full moon. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental cues such as lighting and water conditions that mimic natural lunar cycles may encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Myripristis amaena is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often sheltering in caves or under ledges during the day. At night, they emerge to feed, using their large eyes to spot prey in low light conditions.