Common name: Thick-stripe maori wrasse
General information
The Oriental Sweetlips (Oxycheilinus orientalis) is a striking and popular fish in the marine aquarium trade, known for its distinctive coloration and patterns. Juveniles exhibit a dramatic black and white color scheme with large spots, which gradually changes as they mature into adults with yellow and brown stripes and smaller spots. This species is a member of the family Labridae, which includes wrasses, and is appreciated for its unique appearance and behavior.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places & live rock
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at clam mantles & inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive towards tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseOxycheilinus
- SpeciesThick-stripe maori wrasseOxycheilinus orientalis (Günther, 1862)
- SynonymsCheilinus orientalis Günther, 1862Cheilinus rhodochrous Günther, 1867Oxycheilinus rhodochrous (Günther, 1867)
Care
Oriental Sweetlips are considered moderate to care for due to their specific dietary and tank requirements. They require a large tank with plenty of swimming space and hiding places, as they can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) in length. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is essential for their health. They are generally peaceful but may become territorial with age, so tankmates should be chosen with care.
Reproduction
In the wild, Oxycheilinus orientalis has a complex reproductive behavior that includes elaborate courtship displays. However, breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs.
Habitat
Oriental Sweetlips are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer reef environments, often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Their habitat is characterized by rich coral growth and abundant hiding places.