Fin's Fish Guide
The Dotted sweetlips (Plectorhinchus pictus) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 83 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; Persian Gulf to Sri Lanka, eastwards to China; coastal waters and reefs.
Description
The trout sweetlips is a large sweetlips of the family Haemulidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 83 cm and has a robust, silver-grey body that changes pattern with age; juveniles often show spots or stripes that fade in adults. Sweetlips owe their name to the conspicuously thick, fleshy lips. It inhabits coastal waters and reefs. As a bottom predator it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. Like the grunts it makes sounds with the pharyngeal teeth. The trout sweetlips is a valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dotted sweetlips?
The Dotted sweetlips has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Thick, fleshy lips and a pattern that changes with age; makes sounds with the pharyngeal teeth.
Where does the Dotted sweetlips live?
The Dotted sweetlips lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; Persian Gulf to Sri Lanka, eastwards to China; coastal waters and reefs.
How big does the Dotted sweetlips get?
The Dotted sweetlips grows to a maximum of about 83 cm.
Is the Dotted sweetlips dangerous to humans?
No, the Dotted sweetlips is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dotted sweetlips edible?
Yes, the Dotted sweetlips is commonly eaten.
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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 Dotted sweetlips?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dotted sweetlips is one of 12,519 species in the app.