NEMIPTERIDAE Threadfin breams and spinecheeks
The threadfin breams are generally fairly small, slightly compressed fish with small mouths at the tip of their snout. They include several species that are found in quite deep water, beyond diving range.
Japanese Threadfin Bream Nemipterus japonicus
Pinkish to red; one to three yellow lines above lateral line, bright yellow on ventral surface; elongate filament to upper caudal lobe. Can be confused with N. metopias , which occurs in the Gulf of Oman and has similar caudal filament and a bright orange band from upper jaw to eye but lacks the pattern of lateral yellow lines on the main body. Shallow coastal waters, often near reefs. 32 cm.
Delgoa Threadfin Bream Nemipterus delagoae
Pinkish to red with silvery sheen: scale rows ascend obliquely on sides. Inshore shallow water near reefs. 30 cm.
Arabian Threadfin Bream Scolopsis ghanam
Pretty, distinctively marked fish, with olive to brown back and silvery sides; 2-3 dark horizontal variegated lines along the back with a pattern of small black spots on the lower flanks, up as far as the curved lateral line. Dorsal fin long with ten spinous filaments to front. Eyes large and set forward. On inshore reefs and creeks. Feeds on crustaceans and small fish. This is one of the prettiest and commonest fishes found on inshore reefs, and easily seen whilst snorkelling. It lives amongst the coral and rocks, often in groups of several fish. 25 cm.