Latin name

Diagramma pictum

Other name

Australian slatey, blackall, bluey, grey sweetlips, moke, morwong, mother-in-law fish, painted blubber-lips, slate bream, slate sweetlips, smokey bream, thicklip, yellowdot sweetlips

Identification

These fish have fleshy lips that increase in size as they mature. There are 6 pores on the chin, but the middle fossa is missing. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin contains 9-10 spines and 22-25 soft rays, while the anal fin contains 3 spines and 7 soft rays.

Fish colouring

Adults are predominantly gray-blue with bright yellow to golden-orange spots, often forming a line pattern on the head. The inside of the mouth is bright orange to red. The dorsal fins have black edges, and the anal and pelvic fins have black tips. 

Juveniles have distinct alternating black and white stripes. The lower body is silvery yellow, and the dorsal and caudal fins are yellow with black spots and intermittent stripes. The stripes increase in size as the fish grows and begin to separate into small round spots, then disappear on the body, although they sometimes persist on the caudal fin.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region. Its range extends from the east coast of Africa, from the Red Sea to KwaZulu-Natal, east to Fiji and north to Japan. It is not found in Australia and is largely absent from the southern coast of New Guinea.

Habitat

A marine tropical species. Habitat may include open muddy, sandy or muddy areas in sheltered bays or estuaries, around rocky outcrops, shipwrecks and wrecks. It can also be found in shallow coastal waters and on coral reefs. It is found at depths down to 80 m (260 ft). Juveniles prefer algae covered habitats.

Size

The maximum total length of this species reaches 100 cm (39 inches), although a length of 55 cm (22 inches) is more common, and the maximum published weight is 6.3 kg (14 lb).

Behavior

Occurs singly or in groups, often in turbid water. Do not migrate.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds on benthic invertebrates and small fish.

Reproduction

During spawning, males and females form separate pairs. 

Fishing

This species is caught by fishing line and snorkeling. 

Relationship with a person

It is a common species of fish that is usually sold fresh, although a small amount is preserved by salting. The fish has been found to contain the toxin ciguatoxin, which is the cause of ciguatera poisoning in humans.