Common name: Gold-spotted sweetlips

General information

The Harlequin Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus) is a striking fish known for its distinctive spotted pattern and undulating swimming style, which resembles a fluttering ribbon. Juveniles are particularly notable for their brown bodies with large white spots, which gradually change into a more muted pattern as they mature. This species is a member of the grunt family, Haemulidae, and is appreciated for its unique appearance and behavior.

Care

Harlequin Sweetlips can grow to a considerable size, reaching up to 72 centimeters in length, and require a spacious aquarium to accommodate their size and swimming behavior. They are nocturnal predators, feeding primarily on small fish and benthic 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. It's important to note that juveniles may require more frequent feedings of smaller portions.

Reproduction

Little is known about the breeding habits of Harlequin Sweetlips in the wild, and captive breeding is rare. They are not considered easy to breed in home aquariums, and most specimens available to hobbyists are wild-caught.

Habitat

Harlequin Sweetlips are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific. They prefer reef environments, often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes, where they can find shelter during the day. Juveniles tend to stay in shallower areas, while adults may venture into deeper waters.