Scolopsis xenochrous Günther, 1872
Oblique-barred monocle bream
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams)
Max. size:  22 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Maldives and Sri Lanka to the Solomon Islands; Ryukyu Islands to Australia (eastern Queensland and Western Australia).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-7. Head scales reaching forward to between level of anterior margin of eyes and posterior nostrils. Lower limb of preopercle scaly. Antrorse (forward-directed) suborbital spine present beneath eye. Pelvic fins moderately long, reaching to or almost to level of anus. Color: Upper body greyish-brown, silvery-white below. A pearly-blue streak from behind eye along dorsal fin base. An oblique, brown-edged pearly-blue bar above the pectoral base. An elongate white blotch below lateral line on posterior half of body, a yellowish tinge above this blotch. Snout dusky and a black blotch on opercle.
Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters around rocky-rubble and seaweed areas of coral reefs, outer slopes and lagoons. Usually in small groups but may be seen solitary (Ref. 48635, 90102). Feeds mainly on benthic crustaceans.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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