How to Identify Spotted Sweetlips

To identify Spotted Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus maculatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Juveniles typically have a white or pale yellow body with large, irregular black blotches or spots. As they mature, the blotches break up into numerous smaller, more defined black spots covering the head, body, and fins. The background color often becomes lighter, ranging from white to silvery-grey or yellowish. The lips are thick and fleshy, often yellowish.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Thick, fleshy lips, Distinctive spotted pattern that changes with age, Large, rounded caudal fin, Relatively small mouth for its body size

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 12-14 spines and 17-20 soft rays, deeply notched.

Tail fin

Large, rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Moderately sized, rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 7-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Juvenile vs. Adult Pattern

   Juveniles have fewer, larger, often irregular black blotches on a white or pale yellow body. Adults develop numerous, smaller, more distinct black spots over a lighter background (white, silvery-grey, or yellowish).

2. 2

   Lip Morphology

   Possesses thick, fleshy lips, characteristic of the Plectorhinchus genus.

3. 3

   Fin Shape

   The caudal fin is distinctly rounded, and the dorsal fin is deeply notched.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Laterally compressed, oval-shaped body.

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