Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigscale sweetlips (Plectorhinchus macrolepis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms, reefs and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The bigscale sweetlips is a robust grunt of the family Haemulidae (grunts and sweetlips) reaching about 45 cm. The silvery-grey to brownish body stands out for thick, fleshy lips that swell with age - hence the name sweetlips. Like other grunts it can make a grunting sound with its throat teeth and swim bladder. The species lives near rocky bottoms, reefs and estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water. Mainly at night it searches the bottom for crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fish. With its tasty flesh the bigscale sweetlips is a valued commercial and sport fish of the West African coast.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigscale sweetlips?
The Bigscale sweetlips has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Robust grunt with thick, fleshy lips that swell with age; makes a grunting sound with its pharyngeal teeth and swim bladder.
Where does the Bigscale sweetlips live?
The Bigscale sweetlips lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms, reefs and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Bigscale sweetlips get?
The Bigscale sweetlips grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Bigscale sweetlips dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigscale sweetlips is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigscale sweetlips edible?
Yes, the Bigscale sweetlips is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Plectorhinchus
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigscale sweetlips?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigscale sweetlips is one of 12,519 species in the app.