Common name: Yellow lined sweetlips

General information

The Two-banded Sweetlips, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus albovittatus, is a striking fish species admired for its distinctive coloration and patterns. Juveniles exhibit a bold black and white striped pattern, which gradually transforms into a more muted, silver-grey appearance with fainter lines as they mature. This species is part of the Haemulidae family, commonly referred to as grunts, due to the grunting sound they produce by grinding their teeth together, which is amplified by their air bladders.

Care

Two-banded Sweetlips are moderately challenging to keep in home aquariums due to their specific dietary and space requirements. They thrive in larger tanks that provide ample swimming space and hiding spots. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is essential for their health. It's important to note that while juveniles may adapt well to captivity, adults can be more difficult to acclimate.

Reproduction

In the wild, Plectorhinchus albovittatus forms large spawning aggregations, and their reproductive behavior includes pelagic spawning where eggs and larvae are released into the water column. Captive breeding is not common, and there is limited information available on successfully breeding them in home aquariums.

Habitat

Two-banded Sweetlips are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They prefer reef-associated environments, often seen in lagoons and outer reefs, where they can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 30 meters.