Harlequin 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.

Harlequin Sweetlips are also sometimes known as the Clown Sweetlips. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Juvenile and adult Harlequin Sweetlips may have drastic color differences. Juveniles will usually have an orange to tan colored body with large white spots trimmed in black as they mature their body begins to turn white with black spots and large white lips. The Harlequin Sweetlips can grow to a little over 28".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 200 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