reef fish
Oblique-banded sweetlips
Plectorhinchus lineatus
Oblong, compressed body with a blunt snout and thick lips. The body is characterized by a high number of horizontal or slightly diagonal black-on-white stripes that break into a network of spots on the yellow-tinged tail and dorsal fins.…
- Habitat
- Inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs i…
- Size & weight
- Commonly grows to a length of 40-50 cm, with a maximum r…
- Diet
- Primarily carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates…
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Physical characteristics
Oblong, compressed body with a blunt snout and thick lips. The body is characterized by a high number of horizontal or slightly diagonal black-on-white stripes that break into a network of spots on the yellow-tinged tail and dorsal fins. Juveniles often have a small number of broad black bands which increase in number as the fish matures.
Habitat & distribution
Inhabits coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs in the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from depths of 1 to 35 meters. Distribution includes the Ryukyu Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
Behavior
Generally a nocturnal feeder that tends to aggregate in stationary schools during the day under ledges or near large coral formations. They are relatively docile and approachable by divers when resting.
Diet
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally small fish. They feed by searching the substrate or capturing prey emerging from the sand.
Reproduction
Engages in pelagic spawning where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. The larvae are planktonic and settle onto the reef after development. Like many sweetlips, their juvenile color patterns are strikingly different from adults to provide camouflage.
Ecological role
Acts as a secondary consumer within reef ecosystems. They help control populations of benthic invertebrates and are themselves prey for larger piscivores like groupers and sharks.
Similar species
Look similar to the Ribboned Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus polytaenia) which has fewer, straighter yellow and white stripes, and the Oriental Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus vittatus) which has thicker horizontal bands that do not break into a honeycomb pattern on the tail.
Identification tips
Look for the distinctive yellow fins covered in black spots and the maze-like network of lines on the caudal fin. The 'thick-lipped' appearance is a key genus trait for Plectorhinchus.
Interesting facts
The name 'sweetlips' comes from their oversized, fleshy lips. They are known to produce grunting sounds by rubbing their pharyngeal teeth together and amplifying the sound with their swim bladder.