Black Picus Sweetlips

Plectorhinchus Sweetlips should only be added to very large aquariums preferrably zoo's and public aquariums as they grow very large very quickly. Provide the Plectorhinchus Sweetlips an aquarium with ample open swim area, plenty of rockwork with caves, crevices, and cracks to hide and rest in. Juveniles are very colorful, as they mature their color begins to fade. Sweetlips grind their teeth and the sound resonates in their swim bladder making a Gruntsing noice. Sweetlips are peaceful, shy, nocturnal bottom feeders. Provide a diet rich in meaty foods fed several times daily. They will consume small fish and crustaceans. If they are not eating try fortified live Brine, Glass/Grass shrimp or Black Worms.

Black Picus Sweetlips are also sometimes known as the Spotted, Black and White or Painted Sweetlips. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Juvenile and adult Black Picus Sweetlips may have drastic color differences. Juveniles are an overall black color with irregular white spots while adults are white with black spots. The Black Picus Sweetlips can grow to a little over 33".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 300 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH