Latin name

Plectorhinchus albovittatus

Other name

Giant sweetlips

Identification

Greek, plektos = plaited + Greek, rhyngchos = snout.

Two-striped sweetlips have fleshy lips that swell with age. There are 6 pores on the chin, but no central fossa. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin contains 12 or 13, usually 13 spines and 16-20 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 7 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

Juveniles are brown, with the lower part of the body paler than the upper part and marked by three thin white stripes, one running along the snout, the second beginning at the nape of the neck and extending to the tail, and the third on the upper part of the dorsal fin. The spiny portion of the dorsal fin is pale brown or cream with a thin dark brown border, the soft radiating portion of the dorsal fin is dark brown with a pale horizontal stripe and a thinner stripe above it, both of which extend to the posterior edge of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is dark brown below and white above, with darker tips and a dark brown band running obliquely across the upper lobe. The anal fin is dark brown with lighter posterior rays. The color of the pectoral fins varies from hyaline to very light brown, the tips of the pelvic fins are dark brown. The upper body and flanks of adults are generally gray to gray-brown, the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are blackish, and the lower lobe and upper tip of the caudal fin are black. The anterior portion of the dorsal fin with soft rays is black, while the dorsal spine is dark black to black, the lower lip and chin are white, and the venter is silvery gray to white. 

Distribution

Occurs in the Indo-West Pacific from the coast of East Africa and the Red Sea eastward to Polynesia, northward to Japan, and southward to New South Wales.

Habitat

A tropical marine species associated with reefs. Its depth range is from 2 to 50 meters. 

Size

The maximum standard length of this species is 100 cm (39 inches).

Behavior

It inhabits clear lagoons and nearshore reefs, although juveniles are found in brackish water or shallow, turbid coastal areas. Adults are usually solitary, although rarely seen in pairs, and can be found on deep reefs or near offshore elevations. They spend daylight hours hiding in deeper sections of the channels that run through the reef.

Food and feeding habits

Predators. Two-striped sweetlips feed on crustaceans and small fish.

Reproduction

In Palau, this species has been observed to gather annually to spawn on the new moon in April or May. It is an oviparous species that spawns in single pairs.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing. Two-stripe sweetlips are caught by line and snorkeling. The larger fish are sold fresh, while a small portion of the catch is canned. 

Relationship with a person

Harmless. This species can be found in aquariums.