Bridled Monocle Bream – Scolopsis bilineata – Juvenile

As a juvenile, the Bridled Bream (Scolopsis bilineata) has a white belly and a black and yellow striped dorsal half. As the fish matures, the stripes blend to solid grey and a black-edged white band develops form the eye to the dorsal fin. Light colored stripes develop on the head.

Breams are related and similar to Snappers and Fusilier and are usually found more in the open water or higher in the water than many other aquarium fish. The adult fish is often very different in coloration and even shape than juveniles, and many grow too large or active for most home aquariums.

Although not as predatory as their cousins, Breams may still prey on small fish and invertebrates like shrimp and crabs. Most will not eat or disturb corals and sessile (stationary) invertebrates. Most of these fish also grow very large and need a very large aquarium with ample filtration to accommodate them.