The White-band Spinecheek, White-cheeked Monocle Bream, White-cheeked Monocle-bream – Scolopsis vosmeri is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Nemipteridae, commonly known as the threadfin breams. This fish is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky shores throughout its range, and its distinctive features have earned it a variety of names.
Description & Characteristics
The Scolopsis vosmeri, reaching a maximum size of 25.0 cm, is characterized by its elongated, compressed body with a prominent, white band running vertically along its flank. The species, as its name suggests, also boasts a distinctive white patch on its cheek, resembling a monocle. Its coloration varies from a yellowish-brown to a more reddish-brown, with the white markings providing a striking contrast.
Habitat and Occurrence
The White-band Spinecheek, White-cheeked Monocle Bream, White-cheeked Monocle-bream – Scolopsis vosmeri is found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs, rocky shores, and areas with sandy bottoms. It typically occurs in depths ranging from 2.0 to 25.0 meters, making it a common resident of the neritic zone, which encompasses the shallow waters near coastlines.
Taxonomy
The species Scolopsis vosmeri is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Nemipteridae, showcasing its evolutionary relationship to other bony fishes and its position within the diverse and ecologically important group of threadfin breams.
Feeding
Scolopsis vosmeri feeds primarily on invertebrates and zoobenthos, the animals that live on the seafloor. This diet consists of small crustaceans, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling organisms, contributing to the ecological balance of its habitat.
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