Striped large-eye bream Gnathodentex aurolineatus

Category
  • Fringing Reef
Tags
  • Emperors
  • Lagoon coral patches
  • Fauna

Description

Gnathodentex aurolineatus, belongs to the order of Perciformes and family of Lethrinidae (Emperors or scavengers) it is commonly known as the Striped large-eye bream, Gold-lined sea bream, Goldspot emperor, or the Yellowspot emperor. Its body is oblong in shape with a sloped dorsal head profile and large eyes. The upper third of the body is dark brown with narrow silver stripes. The head and remaining body are silver with brown-orange stripes on the lower part of the body. There is a yellow to orange blotch near the dorsal fin and caudal-fin base. The snout and lips have a yellow tinge. It has a total of 10 dorsal spines, 10 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines and 8 to 10 anal soft rays[1].

 

[1] ‘Gnathodentex Aureolineatus Summary Page’.

Habitat and ecology

This species is present across the Indo-Pacific region. It is found in lagoons, subtidal reef flats and seaward reefs. Recorded depth range is between 3 to 30m. They can be solitary or in large groups. Diet consists of invertebrates and small fish.

 

Conservation and management

According to the IUCN Red list, this species is categorized as being of ‘Least Concern’. It is collected for consumption which is a potential threat. No conservation measures are in place for this species. It is present in many MPAs[1].

 


[1] ‘Gnathodentex Aureolineatus.’

Did you know?

This species can reach a maximum recorded length of 30cm.