Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitebarred rubberlips (Plectorhinchus playfairi) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Description
Playfair's rubberlips is a sweetlips (Haemulidae) from shallow rocky and reef water of the western Indian Ocean around southern Africa. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a deep, powerful, grey-brown body with thick, fleshy lips. As a nocturnal bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and reef for worms, crustaceans and small fish and shelters under overhangs by day. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitebarred rubberlips?
The Whitebarred rubberlips has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Whitebarred rubberlips live?
The Whitebarred rubberlips lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Mayotte, Iraq, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Oman and others
How big does the Whitebarred rubberlips get?
The Whitebarred rubberlips grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.
Is the Whitebarred rubberlips dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitebarred rubberlips 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 Whitebarred rubberlips edible?
Yes, the Whitebarred rubberlips is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Whitebarred rubberlips?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitebarred rubberlips is one of 12,519 species in the app.