Oriental Sweetlips
Oriental Sweetlips, Plectorhinchus orientalis, is a beautiful fish and a challenge to keep that undergoes a drastic coloration change. It begins life as a brown-maroon fish with white circular areas. Inside the white areas is some tan spotting that further adds to the dramatic appearance of this member of the Sweetlips family. As an adult, its body is a white with thin, black stripes running laterally across the body. The fins are yellow and have black spotting or striping, depending on the specimen. Yellow will be present on different parts of the head and body, making this fish a beauty in youth and in adulthood. Once established, it has little interest in corals, but may eat any shrimp, snails, or worms; any crustaceans, being part of its natural diet, will likely be eaten. Initially a hesitant eater, it is likely that live food such as feed shrimp, brine shrimp, or blackworms must initially be offered. To its merit, it will also consume smaller bristleworms. Once it has become more adjusted, other meaty frozen preparations may be accepted. As an active swimmer, it is best to the Sweetlips multiple times daily. Because the Oriental Sweetlips can grow to more than 2-1/2 feet in the wild, it must be provided with a large, well-aerated aquarium.
This fish requires special care and is traditionally difficult to keep. It is, therefore, recommended only for the advanced aquarist or for aquatic research facilities.
Approximate Arrival Size for Oriental Sweetlips: Small: 1 to 2 in.; Medium: 2.5 to 3.5 in.; Large: 4 to 5 in.
Detailed Information about this animal.
