Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
Plectorhinchus lessonii, commonly known as the Striped Sweetlip, is a medium-sized marine fish belonging to the family Haemulidae. It is characterized by its distinctive striped pattern, which changes significantly from juvenile to adult stages. Juveniles typically exhibit bold black and white or yellow stripes, often with a 'false eye' spot, while adults develop a more subdued pattern of numerous thin, dark stripes on a lighter background. This species is a benthic feeder, primarily inhabiting coral reefs and rocky bottoms.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Juveniles: Bold black and white or black and yellow longitudinal stripes, often with a prominent black spot (ocellus) on the caudal peduncle or dorsal fin base. Adults: Numerous thin, dark brown or black longitudinal stripes on a silvery-white to yellowish-brown background. Fins are typically yellowish, sometimes with dark spots or stripes. The lips are thick and fleshy, characteristic of the genus.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Thick, fleshy lips, Distinctive stripe patterns that change with age, Relatively small eyes, Deep body, laterally compressed
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 12-14 spines and 17-20 soft rays. The spinous portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Tail fin
- Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Moderately long and rounded pectoral fins.
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin with 3 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.
Identification Tips
Juvenile Pattern
Look for bold, contrasting black and white/yellow stripes, often with a large black spot near the tail. Juveniles may swim with an undulating motion to mimic flatworms.
Adult Pattern
Observe the numerous, thin, dark longitudinal stripes on a lighter body. The thick, fleshy lips are a key generic characteristic.
Body Shape
Note the deep, compressed body shape, typical of sweetlips.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in depths ranging from 5 to 50 meters (16 to 164 feet), occasionally deeper.
- Environment
- Inhabits coral reefs, rocky reefs, and coastal areas with sandy or silty bottoms, often near drop-offs or ledges. Juveniles are frequently found in shallower, protected areas, sometimes mimicking toxic flatworms or nudibranchs.
- Geographic range
- Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. Common in Southeast Asia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: advanced
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 250 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Best kept in a large, mature aquarium with other robust, semi-aggressive fish. Not suitable for reef tanks as it will consume invertebrates. Can be aggressive towards conspecifics unless introduced as juveniles in a very large system.
- Special requirements: Requires a large tank with ample swimming space and plenty of rockwork for hiding. A varied diet of meaty foods is essential. Good filtration is necessary due to their messy eating habits and large size. Juveniles are often sold, but their rapid growth and eventual size must be considered.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No specific seasonal patterns for availability; caught year-round in its range.
- Market price: Variable, depending on region and size. Generally considered a food fish.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, white flesh
- Texture: Firm, flaky
- Cooking methods: Steaming, Baking, Frying, Grilling
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Juvenile Mimicrybehavior
Juvenile Striped Sweetlips often mimic toxic flatworms or nudibranchs by undulating their bodies and swimming slowly, deterring potential predators.
Color Changeinteresting
The dramatic change in coloration and pattern from juvenile to adult is one of the most striking features of this species, making identification challenging for the inexperienced observer.
Nocturnal Foragersbehavior
Like many sweetlips, Plectorhinchus lessonii is primarily a nocturnal feeder, emerging from hiding at dusk to forage for benthic invertebrates.
Thick Lipsinteresting
The genus name 'Plectorhinchus' is derived from Greek, meaning 'plaited snout' or 'braided snout', referring to their characteristic thick, fleshy lips.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No known venomous spines. Handle with care due to potential for fin pricks and their strong body. They can be quite robust and may struggle when caught. Standard fish handling precautions apply.
Similar Species
Oriental Sweetlips
Plectorhinchus orientalis
Adults of P. orientalis have fewer, broader black stripes on a white or yellowish body, and often have black spots on the fins, which P. lessonii typically lacks. Juveniles of P. orientalis have fewer, broader stripes and a different swimming pattern.
Gold-spotted Sweetlips
Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus
Adults of P. flavomaculatus are characterized by numerous small golden-brown spots on a lighter background, rather than stripes. Juveniles have a different striped pattern that transitions to spots.
Diagonal Banded Sweetlips
Plectorhinchus lineatus
While P. lessonii is sometimes referred to as 'Diagonal-banded Sweetlips', P. lineatus (also known as Yellow-banded Sweetlips) has distinct diagonal black and white/yellow bands, particularly as juveniles and sub-adults, which are generally broader and more pronounced than the thin stripes of adult P. lessonii.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Haemulidae
- Genus
- Plectorhinchus
- Species
- P. lessonii
Explore Striped Sweetlip
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.