Common name: Two-lined monocle bream

General information

The Two-lined monocle bream, Scolopsis bilineata, is a tropical marine fish known for its distinct coloration and behavior. It is a member of the family Nemipteridae and is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. The body of this fish is primarily silver-white with two distinct black lines running from the snout through the eye and along the flank. This species can reach up to 30 cm in length, although aquarium specimens are usually smaller.

Care

Scolopsis bilineata is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They require a tank with plenty of swimming space and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. These fish are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and dried preparations. They are generally peaceful but can become territorial with conspecifics, so it's best to keep them singly or in a large enough aquarium to accommodate a group with ample space for each individual.

Reproduction

In the wild, Two-lined monocle breams are known to spawn during the warmer months. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible. They exhibit pelagic spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column.

Habitat

The natural habitat of Scolopsis bilineata includes coral reefs and sandy areas near reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. They are often found at depths ranging from 1 to 25 meters. Their geographical distribution extends from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia.