Two-lined monocle bream

Biology

The two-lined monocle bream is a fish with a very unique body colour: it is white except for the head and dorsal fin, where is black with two yellow lines. Juveniles live in lagoons or rocky zones while adults prefer to swim in coral reefs. There we can find them in pairs, but they can also occur singly or in small groups. It has another interesting feature: all individuals are born females and later they can turn into males.

Conservation

This species inhabits one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet: coral reefs. These shelter about 3000 animal species but are currently facing serious threats. Due to water temperature change and the physical and chemical destruction of corals, there are countless species that are in great danger.

Curiosities

Juveniles, in order to protect themselves, develop features that make them look like the poisonous striped poison-fang blenny (Meiacanthus grammistes). Then, predators confuse them with the other species and depart.