Rainbow Monocle Bream, Scolopsis monogramma (Cuvier, 1830)

Scientific name: Scolopsis monogramma
Alternative name/s:
Barred-face Spine-cheek, Lattice Spinecheek, Monocle Bream, Monogrammed Monocle Bream, Rainbow Bream, Regal Coral Bream, Threadfin Monocle-bream
Rainbow Monocle Bream, Scolopsis monogramma Click to enlarge image
A Rainbow Monocle Bream at a depth of 17 m, Bargara artificial reef, near Bundaberg, Queensland, August 2004. Image: Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Scolopsis
    Species
    monogramma
    Family
    Nemipteridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to at least 44 cm in length.

Introduction

The Rainbow Monocle Bream can be recognised by its colouration. It occurs in tropical marine waters in inshore and coral reef waters of the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.

Identification

The Rainbow Monocle Bream can be recognised by its colouration. It has three blue lines across the snout, which are often separated by orange regions. The side of the body has a series of sloping yellow dots that can form a solid stripe. The tail has a blue posterior margin and elongated tips.

Rainbow Monocle Bream
A Rainbow Monocle Bream at a depth of 17 m, Bargara artificial reef, near Bundaberg, Queensland, August 2004. Image: Dave Harasti
© Australian Museum

Distribution

It occurs in tropical marine waters in inshore and coral reef waters of the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to the central coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Grant, E.M. 1982. Guide to Fishes. The Department of Harbours and Marine, Brisbane, Queensland. Pp. 896. (as Scolopsis temporalis)
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  6. Russell, B.C. (1990). FAO Species Catalogue. Nemipterid fishes of the World (Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams, Monocle breams, Dwarf monocle breams, and Coral breams - Family Nemipteridae). Rome : FAO Fisheries Synopsis No. 125 Vol. 12. Pp. 149 . pls VIII.