Plectorhinchus pica

Osteichthyes Haemulidae Genus Plectorhinchus Plectorhinchus pica

Painted sweetlip

37.9 cm SL

Characteristic features:

Colour:

Adults white with numerous small black spots on head, body and fins (except pectoral and pelvic fins which are dusky). Juveniles black above and abruptly white below, 3 broad white saddles on head and upper body, black spots on body, anal, soft-dorsal and caudal fins.

Size:

Up to 60 cm TL.

Important conditions and life stages:

Juveniles black above and abruptly white below, 3 broad white saddles on head and upper body, black spots on body, anal, soft-dorsal and caudal fins.

Distribution:

Indo-Pacific in tropical waters.

Habitat:

Coral reefs and lagoons from 5–55 m depth.

Biology:

Solitary, hiding under caves and ledges during the day.

Similar species:

Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Harlequin sweetlips

Adult Plectorhinchus chaetodontoides differ in having pelvic fins spotted, darkening with age and no red markings (vs. dusky with basal red brown blotch or streaks) and spots on head and body larger, subequal to pupil in size (vs. smaller than pupil).

to Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides

External links:

Fishbase