Striped Large-eye Bream

Overview

The Striped Large-eye Bream (Gnathodentex aureolineatus) is a widespread Indo-Pacific reef fish and the sole member of its genus. It is easily recognized by a distinctive golden-yellow blotch located on its back, just below the rear of the dorsal fin.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found throughout the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, and from Japan south to Australia. It typically inhabits subtidal reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs.

Appearance

This fish has an oblong, fusiform body with a moderately sloped head profile and relatively large eyes. Its coloration includes a brown back with narrow silvery stripes, while the lower two-thirds of the body are silver to grey with several brownish-orange horizontal stripes. A prominent golden-yellow spot is situated below the posterior dorsal fin, and the caudal fin is deeply forked with pointed tips.

Biology & behavior

Striped Large-eye Bream are often seen either as solitary individuals or in groups, sometimes forming large aggregations of a hundred or more fish. They are primarily nocturnal, dispersing at night to forage.

Feeding

As a carnivore, this species feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, such as crabs and gastropods. It may occasionally consume small fish as part of its diet.