Oblique-banded Sweetlips

Overview

The Oblique-banded Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus lineatus) is a striking marine fish known for its distinct color patterns and fleshy, prominent lips. It is commonly found in tropical reef environments across the western Pacific Ocean, where it often rests conspicuously during the day.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits the western Pacific, ranging from the Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. It is typically found in clear lagoon and seaward reefs, favoring deep inner to outer reef slopes at depths between 1 and 50 meters.

Appearance

Adults are characterized by a silvery-white body marked with numerous broken, diagonal black stripes and a white belly. They possess bright yellow lips and yellow fins, with the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins featuring black spots. Juveniles look quite different, initially displaying horizontal dark brown bands that subdivide and transform into a network of fine white lines and spots as the fish matures. They have a laterally compressed, oval-shaped body and a chin featuring six pores without a median pit.

Biology & behavior

Generally nocturnal, this species spends its daylight hours resting along coral slopes. It is a carnivorous fish that becomes active at night, venturing into open sand flats and seagrass beds to feed on benthic invertebrates. While often solitary, especially as juveniles, adults may also be found in small aggregations. Spawning has been observed to occur in groups, notably around the new moon.