Common name: Ribboned sweetlips
General information
The Ribboned Sweetlips, Plectorhinchus polytaenia, is a striking fish known for its distinctive coloration and patterns. Juveniles exhibit a dramatic black and white striped pattern, which gradually changes into a more muted, spotted appearance as they mature. This species is a member of the Haemulidae family, which is characterized by their thick lips and a grunt-like sound they produce by grinding their teeth together.
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 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
- SpeciesRibboned sweetlipsPlectorhinchus polytaenia (Bleeker, 1853)
- SynonymsDiagramma polytaenia Bleeker, 1853Plectorhynchus polytaenia (Bleeker, 1853)
Care
Ribboned Sweetlips can grow quite large, reaching up to 70 cm in length, and require a spacious tank to accommodate their size. They are not the easiest fish to keep due to their specific dietary and environmental needs. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh is essential for their health. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide a stable and well-maintained environment.
Reproduction
In the wild, Ribboned Sweetlips form large aggregations during spawning. Little is known about their breeding habits in home aquariums, as they are not commonly bred in captivity. Their large size and schooling behavior during spawning make them a challenging species to breed in a home setting.
Habitat
Ribboned Sweetlips are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. They prefer reef environments and are often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes. Juveniles tend to stay in shallower waters, while adults can be found at depths of up to 30 meters.
Their natural habitat includes areas with plenty of hiding places among corals and rocks, which should be replicated in the home aquarium to provide a sense of security and to encourage natural behavior.