The Painted sweetlips (Plectorhinchus picus) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 84 cm.
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.
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.
Is the Painted sweetlips edible?
Yes, the Painted sweetlips is commonly eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Plectorhinchus
More from the family Haemulidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.