Common name: diagonal-banded sweetlips

General information

The Lined Sweetlips, scientifically known as Plectorhinchus lineatus, is a striking fish species admired for its distinctive coloration and patterns. Juveniles exhibit a dramatic black and white striped pattern, which gradually transitions into a more subdued yellow and silver as they mature. This species is part of the Haemulidae family, commonly referred to as grunts due to the grunting noise they produce by grinding their teeth together.

Care

Lined Sweetlips are a challenging species to keep in home aquariums, primarily due to their large adult size and specific dietary requirements. They can grow up to 70 cm in length, necessitating a very large tank with plenty of swimming space. These fish thrive in well-oxygenated water with stable water quality and a varied diet that includes meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and fish flesh.

Reproduction

In the wild, Plectorhinchus lineatus spawns in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic, drifting in the currents until they settle into the reef. Captive breeding of this species is not common, and most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Habitat

Lined 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. Juveniles tend to stay in shallower, protected areas, while adults can be found at depths of up to 30 meters.