Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian slatey (Diagramma pictum) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The painted sweetlips is a large sweetlips of the family Haemulidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about one metre and changes colour strongly with age: juveniles have conspicuous longitudinal stripes, subadults spots, and adults are nearly uniform grey with small yellow fin spots. It lives solitary or in groups, often in turbid water over coastal and reef bottoms. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. Sweetlips owe their name to their thick, fleshy lips and make sounds with the pharyngeal teeth. The painted sweetlips is a valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian slatey?
The Australian slatey has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Changes colour markedly with age (from stripes through blotches to uniform grey); thick, fleshy lips. Note: in tropical regions this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Australian slatey live?
The Australian slatey lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal and reef bottoms, often in turbid water.
How big does the Australian slatey get?
The Australian slatey grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Australian slatey dangerous to humans?
The Australian slatey is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Australian slatey edible?
Yes, the Australian slatey is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Australian slatey?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian slatey is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Diagramma
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Australian slatey?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian slatey is one of 12,519 species in the app.