Plectorhinchus picus (Cuvier, 1828)
Dotted sweetlips
Plectorhinchus picus
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Plectorhinchinae
Max. size:  84 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 50 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Seychelles to the Society Islands, north to Japan and south to Lord Howe and Rapa Islands. Rare or absent from most of the western Indian Ocean, but common in the Seychelles (Ref. 9710).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Description: Juveniles (under 25 cm) dorsal black with spots few large white and saddle on forehead, middle of dorsal fin, and across caudal peduncle, ventral white. Adults white with numerous small dark spots extending to dorsal, anal and caudal fins (Ref. 37816, 90102). Changes from bold black and white pattern to a whitish grey with numerous small black spots over most of the upper body and fins (Ref. 2334). Opercle margin upper rear edge black. Lips very thick in adults. Body depth 2.7-3.1 in SL. Dorsal fin 3rd or 4th spines longest. Caudal fin slightly rounded in juveniles, slightly emarginate in adults (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A solitary species (Ref. 9710) found in lagoon and seaward reefs. Adults usually under coral heads or in caves, while juveniles are found in shallow lagoons. Feeds on crustaceans and mollusks. Generally marketed fresh (Ref. 5284).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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