Fin's Fish Guide
The Painted sweetlips (Plectorhinchus picus) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 84 cm.
Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Tahiti and others
Description
The painted sweetlips is a grunt or sweetlips (Haemulidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 84 cm; juveniles are strikingly black-and-white blotched, adults grey with numerous small black spots on the head and fins. As a bottom-oriented predator it shelters by day around coral and rocky reefs and hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish at night. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Painted sweetlips?
The Painted sweetlips has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Painted sweetlips live?
The Painted sweetlips lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Tahiti and others
How big does the Painted sweetlips get?
The Painted sweetlips grows to a maximum of about 84 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Painted sweetlips dangerous to humans?
No, the Painted sweetlips is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Painted sweetlips edible?
Yes, the Painted 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 Painted sweetlips?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Painted sweetlips is one of 12,519 species in the app.