Common name: blackspotted rubberlip
General information
The Blackspotted Sweetlips, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus gaterinus, is a striking fish species popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. This species is characterized by its silver-gray body adorned with numerous black spots that increase in size towards the tail. Juveniles exhibit a different color pattern, with black and white bands that gradually change as they mature.
In the wild, these fish are often found in small groups and are known for their 'grunting' sounds, produced by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, which is thought to play a role in social interactions.
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
- 75 cm (2′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and open space
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods and live feed
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at inverts and small fish
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGruntsHaemulidae
- GenusSweetlipsPlectorhinchus
- Speciesblackspotted rubberlipPlectorhinchus gaterinus (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsGaterin gaterinus (Forsskål, 1775)Plectorhynchus gaterinus (Forsskål, 1775)Plectorinchus gaterinus (Forsskål, 1775)Sciaena abumgaterin Forsskål, 1775Sciaena gaterina Forsskål, 1775
Care
Blackspotted Sweetlips require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are nocturnal and prefer dim lighting. This species can grow quite large, reaching up to 70 cm in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their size and swimming behavior.
They are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Reproduction
Reproduction of Blackspotted Sweetlips in home aquariums is rare. In the wild, they are known to form spawning aggregations, and their larvae are pelagic, spending time in the open ocean before settling into the reef environment.
Habitat
Blackspotted Sweetlips are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often hiding in caves or under ledges during the day. They are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 40 meters.