Common name: goldenlined sweetlips
General information
The Yellowstripe Sweetlips, Plectorhinchus chrysotaenia, is known for its striking appearance and behavior. Juveniles exhibit a dramatic coloration with black and white stripes and spots, which gradually change into the elegant yellow stripes and silver body as they mature. This species is a member of the Haemulidae family and is often found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 45 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May bully smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGruntsHaemulidae
- GenusSweetlipsPlectorhinchus
- Speciesgoldenlined sweetlipsPlectorhinchus chrysotaenia (Bleeker, 1855)
- SynonymsDiagramma chrysotaenia Bleeker, 1855Plectorhinchus celebecus Bleeker, 1873Plectorhinchus celebicus Bleeker, 1873Plectorhynchus celebicus Bleeker, 1873Plectorhynchus chrysotaenia (Bleeker, 1855)Plectoryhnchus celebecus Bleeker, 1873
Care
Yellowstripe Sweetlips can grow to a considerable size, reaching up to 60 cm in length, which necessitates a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space. They are nocturnal predators, feeding primarily on small fish and invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they should be provided with a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh.
Reproduction
In the wild, Plectorhinchus chrysotaenia forms large aggregations during spawning, which usually occurs around dusk. Little is known about their breeding habits in home aquariums, as they are not commonly bred in captivity.
Habitat
Yellowstripe Sweetlips are typically found in coral reef environments, often in lagoons or along outer reef slopes. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding spots and can be found at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Their natural range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Central Pacific.